Kanayo O. Kanayo, others react as Nigeria bans money rituals, smoking in movies

Key figures in Nigeria’s entertainment industry have raised objections to the recent governmental decision to impose restrictions on content in films, music videos, and skits.

Renowned actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has criticized the move, dubbing it “arrant nonsense” and questioning the logic behind the Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa’s support of such limitations on filmmakers.

Also, veteran musician, Mike Okri voiced skepticism about the government’s motives, suggesting that the ban could be an attempt to stifle the film industry.

“Whoever is behind this from the FG is joking. It’s a way to silence the movie industry. They should focus on the real challenges facing the country,” Okri snapped.

He urged authorities to prioritize addressing more pressing national concerns.

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 portrayal and endorsement of money rituals, and the promotion of tobacco products in entertainment content, citing Section 65 of the NFVCB Act 2004.

This announcement came 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 underscored the importance of the film industry’s progress and the necessity for entertainment media to refrain from promoting harmful behaviors and substances.

He concluded by emphasizing the urgent need for decisive and collective action to preserve the industry’s integrity and the welfare of society.