Key figures in Nigeria’s entertainment sector have voiced opposition to recent government measures imposing restrictions on content in films, music videos, and skits.
Renowned actor Kanayo O. Kanayo condemned the move, labeling it “complete nonsense” and questioning the rationale behind Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa’s endorsement of such constraints on filmmakers.
Similarly, veteran musician Mike Okri expressed doubts about the government’s intentions, suggesting that the ban might be an effort to suppress the film industry.
“Whoever is behind this from the FG is kidding. It’s a tactic to silence the movie industry. They should focus on the actual challenges confronting the nation,” Okri remarked.
He urged authorities to prioritize tackling more urgent national issues.
Earlier, the federal government, represented by the Executive Director/CEO of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr. Shaibu Husseini, announced a ban on the depiction and endorsement of money rituals, as well as the promotion of tobacco products in entertainment content, referencing Section 65 of the NFVCB Act 2004.
This announcement was made during a National Stakeholders Engagement on Smoke-Free Nollywood event held in Enugu state, in collaboration with Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA).
Dr. Husseini emphasized the importance of the film industry’s advancement and the need for entertainment media to refrain from promoting harmful behaviors and substances.
He concluded by stressing the urgent requirement for decisive and collaborative action to uphold the industry’s integrity and societal well-being.
