With its presentation at the World Tobacco Conference held in Ireland from October 22 to 27, 2024, the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), has placed Nigeria at the forefront of progressive content regulation in Africa.
The NFVCB’s Executive Director/CEO, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, who attended the global event, presented a status report on the implementation of ‘NFVCB 2024 Regulation on the Control of Promotion and Glamourisation of Tobacco, Narcotics, Ritual Killings and Money Rituals in Nigerian Films, Music Videos and Skits’.
The regulation, which was approved and gazetted earlier in 2024 under the leadership of the Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, was hailed at the conference as a groundbreaking policy initiative.
Nigeria was recognized as the first country in Africa to develop and enforce such a bold regulation targeting the harmful portrayal of substance abuse and ritualistic practices in screen content.
According to Husseini, the NFVCB’s presentation highlighted the regulation’s objectives, stakeholder engagement process that led to its adoption, and the enforcement mechanisms already in place. The global audience responded with commendations for the Nigerian government, especially Musawa, for what was described as “a courageous and visionary move to protect public health and preserve cultural values.”
A major outcome of the conference was the pledge by some international organizations to assist Nigeria in the continued implementation of the regulation. The support – set to be delivered through their local partner CAPPA (Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa) – will include logistical and technical assistance to enhance compliance and awareness.
“The recognition received at the World Tobacco Conference is a direct result of the Honourable Minister’s unwavering commitment to responsible cultural governance and public safety,” the NFVCB’s boss stated.
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