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The executive director of the National Film and Video Censors Board, Shaibu Husseini, has explained why his administration introduced regulations aimed at reducing the glorification of smoking and ritual-related scenes in Nollywood productions.
According to him, the move was not designed to completely ban such content from films, but to ensure that filmmakers present them responsibly without encouraging harmful behaviour among viewers.
Husseini disclosed this during an interview with media personality Kemi Yesufu, where he revealed that extensive consultations were held with stakeholders across the Nigerian film industry before the policy was introduced.
He explained that filmmakers, guilds and creative professionals were engaged in discussions to ensure the regulations would be accepted and properly understood by practitioners in the industry.
The NFVCB boss noted that the agency’s goal is to discourage the glamorisation of smoking, ritual killings and criminal activities that could negatively influence young people and society.
He added that many stakeholders eventually supported the initiative after understanding the health and social consequences associated with excessive portrayals of smoking and ritual practices in movies.
According to him, some filmmakers admitted during the consultations that they were unaware of the long-term health dangers linked to smoking.
He stated that several producers agreed to adopt alternatives such as props instead of real cigarettes during filming.
He also stressed that movies containing smoking scenes are now expected to include proper disclaimers stating clearly that the production is not promoting tobacco use.
Husseini further addressed some of the major challenges confronting the board, especially in the digital era where filmmakers can easily distribute movies online without first submitting them for classification.
He lamented that many producers now release films directly on streaming services and social media platforms without following the legal process required by the board.
The veteran culture journalist also pointed out that the laws guiding the agency are outdated and no longer reflect modern realities in the entertainment industry.
He explained that the NFVCB Act was last amended in 2006, long before the rise of today’s digital streaming culture. As a result, some penalties in the law remain extremely low and ineffective.
He disclosed that a proposed amendment currently awaiting presidential approval would strengthen the board’s authority, particularly regarding online and streaming platforms.
The new legislation is also expected to remove the word “censorship” from the agency’s name, reflecting a shift towards film classification rather than outright censorship.
Before becoming head of the NFVCB in 2024 under the administration of Bola Tinubu, Husseini built a reputation as a respected film critic, journalist and culture administrator.
Under his leadership, the board has continued to advocate responsible storytelling while engaging filmmakers nationwide on the future of Nollywood.
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