FG denies placing ban on smoking, rituals in films

The Executive Director of the National Films and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Shaibu Husseini, clarified that the Board has not banned money rituals and smoking scenes in movies and videos, contrary to widespread reports. Husseini, a seasoned journalist and film critic, emphasized that the Board aims to properly classify movies rather than stifle creativity.

Reports had suggested that Husseini made the pronouncement at a stakeholder engagement event on ‘smoke-free Nollywood’ in Enugu State. However, in a statement released during the week, he clarified, “What I mentioned in a speech that I have shared here is the existence of a regulation (NFVCB Regulations 2024) that, in line with global best practices, prohibits the promotion and glamourisation of money rituals, ritual killings, tobacco, tobacco products, and nicotine products in movies, musical videos, and skits.

“The regulation aims at discouraging the ‘unnecessary’ depiction, promotion, advertisement, or glamourisation of tobacco or nicotine products in movies, musical videos, and skits. The regulation demands the display of a health warning for necessary smoking scenes required for historical accuracy or educational purposes and to depict a negative lifestyle in movies, musical videos, and skits. The required health warning shall be displayed at the commencement of the work and the end.”

Husseini further added, “Any movie, skit, or musical video that displays or depicts tobacco or nicotine products, brands, or use necessary to the realisation of a narrative shall be given the appropriate classification (rating) and shall not be shown to persons below the age of 18. So there is no truth in the ‘headlines’ (that went viral).”

At a recent media parley in Lagos, Husseini outlined his plans for the organization. Clarifying his mission at the Board, he said, “Ultimately, I have come with my management staff to make sure that we run a very responsive censorship organization. One that is responsive to stakeholders, society, and the government that set it up.”

He also announced that in celebration of the NFVCB’s 30th anniversary, three publications would be released, each marking a decade of the Censors Board’s work. “This is also because of the cry for data. We have received information from universities, both local and foreign, asking us for films that have been classified and other information. These publications will contain information on all the films that have been classified from 1994 till date.”

Reiterating a shift in focus from ‘censorship’ to ‘classification’, Husseini said, “When I checked all around the world, I discovered that they have moved from censorship to classification. Even in Britain, it is the British Board of Classification. In Kenya, it is a classification board, the same with South Africa. This is why I believe that there is a need for us to move from the regime of censorship to classification. So, I sat with my management and we agreed that it was time for us to move from censorship to classification.”