Nigerian Government Bans Smoking and Ritual Killings in Entertainment: What Will the New Modifications Look Like?
The Nigerian government recently made a groundbreaking move by banning the depiction of smoking, ritual killings, and money rituals in movies, music videos and skits.
The Nigerian government recently made a groundbreaking move by banning the depiction of smoking, ritual killings, and money rituals in movies, music videos, and skits. This decision was announced by the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) at a National Stakeholder Engagement event in Enugu, which was part of the "#Smoke-Free Nollywood" campaign. The campaign, organized in collaboration with Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), aims to create a healthier environment in Nigerian entertainment. In this article, we will explore the implications of these new regulations and what changes we can expect in the industry.
The Driving Force Behind the Ban
Shaibu Husseini, the Executive Director of the NFVCB, emphasized the urgency of addressing the influence of smoking and ritual killings in Nollywood, Nigeria’s film industry. He highlighted that the country is facing an "industry emergency" that requires bold actions from parents, guardians, and stakeholders. The federal government's goal is to prohibit the glamorization of smoking, violence, and immoral acts in entertainment media.
Key Regulations Introduced
The NFVCB, in collaboration with CAPPA, decided to implement Subsidiary Regulations to address smoking in movies and skits. This aspect was not explicitly mentioned in the existing laws, making the new regulations a significant step forward. The Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, under Section 65 of the NFVCB Act 2004, approved the "Prohibition of Money Ritual, Ritual Killing, Tobacco, Tobacco Product, Nicotine Product Promotion, Glamorization, Display in Movies, Musical Videos, and Skits" Regulations 2024.
What Prompted the Ban?
One of the main reasons for this ban is the rising concern over public health, particularly among the youth. The depiction of smoking in movies and skits has been identified as a significant factor contributing to the normalization and glamorization of smoking among young people. Studies have shown that smoking is prevalent in Nigerian movies, which goes against the Nigerian Tobacco Control (NTC) Act and the Tobacco Control Regulations 2019. These regulations explicitly prohibit tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorships in movies and entertainment.
The Role of the Tobacco Industry
The tobacco industry has been accused of using entertainment as a medium to promote smoking, often hiding under the guise of artistic expression. The NFVCB is determined to counter these tactics and ensure a smoke-free Nollywood. The board plans to work closely with the industry to achieve zero smoking scenes in movies and skits, emphasizing the importance of protecting young Nigerians from the harmful effects of smoking.
The Impact on Nollywood
Nollywood, known for its vibrant and diverse storytelling, will now have to navigate these new regulations carefully. The industry has a significant influence on public perception and behavior, making it a powerful tool for promoting healthy lifestyles. By eliminating scenes that glamorize smoking and ritual killings, Nollywood can contribute to reducing the incidence of smoking-related diseases and ritual-related violence.
Creative Adjustments
Filmmakers, producers, and scriptwriters will need to adjust their creative processes to comply with the new regulations. This includes finding alternative ways to depict characters and storylines that traditionally involved smoking or ritual elements. While this may present some challenges, it also offers an opportunity for the industry to innovate and explore new themes and narratives that do not rely on harmful depictions.
Commitment to Public Health
The commitment to a smoke-free Nollywood was evident at the National Stakeholder Engagement event, where participants, including veteran filmmakers and industry leaders, signed a pledge to support the initiative. CAPPA's Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, stressed the need for stakeholders to work towards a healthy future for Nigerian children. He pointed out that movies and music videos play a crucial role in shaping societal norms and behaviors, and it is essential to reverse the glamorization of smoking.
Educational Campaigns
In addition to regulatory changes, the NFVCB plans to undertake extensive educational campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of smoking and the negative impact of ritual killings. These campaigns will target secondary schools, tertiary institutions, local communities, and faith groups, aiming to educate the public and reduce the prevalence of these harmful behaviors.
The Role of Stakeholders
The success of these new regulations will depend heavily on the collaboration and support of various stakeholders in the Nigerian film industry. This includes filmmakers, producers, marketers, and distributors, as well as industry associations and guilds. By working together, these stakeholders can ensure that the new regulations are effectively implemented and that Nollywood continues to thrive while promoting public health.
Industry Leaders' Support
At the event, industry leaders such as Zeb Ejiro, Fred Amata, Segun Arinze, Bolaji Amusan, and The Aneke Twins expressed their support for the initiative. They acknowledged the significant influence Nollywood has on public perceptions and behaviors and committed to making movies that promote healthy lifestyles.
Future of Nollywood
The future of Nollywood under these new regulations looks promising. While there may be initial challenges in adapting to the changes, the industry's resilience and creativity are likely to lead to innovative solutions. The focus on health and social responsibility will not only benefit the audience but also enhance the reputation of Nollywood on a global scale.
Conclusion
The Nigerian government's decision to ban the depiction of smoking, ritual killings, and money rituals in movies, music videos, and skits marks a significant step towards promoting public health and social responsibility in the entertainment industry. The new regulations introduced by the NFVCB, in collaboration with CAPPA, aim to create a smoke-free Nollywood and reduce the glamorization of harmful behaviors.
While the industry may face challenges in adapting to these changes, the support and commitment of stakeholders, combined with educational campaigns, will play a crucial role in ensuring the success of this initiative. Nollywood's influence on public perception and behavior makes it a powerful tool for promoting healthy lifestyles and shaping a positive future for Nigerian children.