Nigeria Bans Depiction of Money Rituals in Films

The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) of Nigeria has introduced a new federal regulation that prohibits the depiction of money rituals and the glamorization of vices in films.

This move, approved by the Minister of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, was announced by NFVCB Executive Director Dr. Shaibu Husseini during a stakeholders’ engagement in Enugu State.

The regulation aims to sanitize the film industry by restricting portrayals of ritual killings, smoking, and other crimes, with the goal of mitigating negative influences on young viewers.

To support this initiative, the NFVCB plans to launch educational campaigns in schools and communities. The regulation is awaiting publication by the Federal Ministry of Justice.

In an interview with RGGNEWS, Kojo Preko Danquah, Convenor of the Forum of Concerned Arts Professionals (FOCAP), endorsed the initiative.

He says Nigerian films frequently feature rituals, reflecting real events in the country, and therefore, this regulation is necessary to curb their negative impact.

Kojo Preko noted that in Ghana, films primarily focus on cultural themes, making a similar ban less relevant.

However, he stressed the importance of addressing social vices depicted in the media. “There is a lack of age restrictions in media today,” he said, urging the National Film Authority to regulate and control film content more effectively, rather than imposing outright bans.

Kojo Preko called for a comprehensive review to identify and manage films that negatively influence the Ghanaian society.