The Nigerian film industry has long faced criticism over the portrayal and glamorisation of smoking and other illicit behaviours in movies, a trend that contradicts global anti-tobacco advocacy led by the World Health Organization.
Leading efforts to curb tobacco imagery in Nigerian films is the Executive Director of the Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board, Shaibu Husseini, whose administration has intensified regulatory reforms within the creative sector.
The campaign aligns with World No Tobacco Month, observed globally in May and culminating in World No Tobacco Day, aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of tobacco consumption.
The WHO has repeatedly warned that smoking scenes in films and entertainment media can significantly influence young audiences and increase the likelihood of smoking initiation.
Speaking on Villa Square, a segment of Cr8tive Naija on Mainland 98.3 FM Lagos, Husseini outlined ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening ethical standards in Nigeria’s film industry while supporting its economic contribution.
He noted that the creative sector remains a major contributor to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, stressing that film production also generates employment and tax revenue.
According to him, a typical film set in Nigeria employs between 20 and 30 people, while cinema screenings contribute additional revenue streams to government coffers.
Husseini also commended the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, for supporting regulatory initiatives, including proposals to expand film distribution through community cinemas and licensing reforms.
He emphasised that government intervention should focus more on enabling infrastructure and policy frameworks rather than direct funding for filmmakers.
“The government does not necessarily need to provide funding for filmmakers,” he said, adding that distribution remains a major challenge in the industry despite available production capacity.
Husseini explained that smoking scenes are prohibited in Nigerian films unless they are included for educational, historical, or corrective purposes, in which case health warnings and disclaimers must be displayed.
He noted that the policy was developed in consultation with stakeholders and formally gazetted after approval from relevant authorities.
The NFVCB boss said Nigeria’s anti-tobacco film policy has attracted international recognition from the WHO, making the country the first in Africa and the third globally to achieve significant progress in reducing tobacco promotion in films.
He added that the framework is anchored on Article 13 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which treats tobacco imagery in films as indirect advertising that can normalise smoking behaviour.
Husseini also advocated stronger collaboration between the creative and tourism sectors, suggesting that film locations could be developed into tourism assets to boost revenue and cultural visibility.
He further called for the establishment of a dedicated research centre for Nigeria’s film industry to improve data collection, academic collaboration, and evidence-based policymaking.
According to him, the absence of a structured research institution continues to limit the availability of reliable industry data needed for long-term planning.
