Nigeria has made history as the first African nation to formally regulate the portrayal of tobacco use, money rituals, and narcotics in films, music videos, and skits. The landmark regulation, approved and gazetted in 2024 under the leadership of Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, aims to safeguard public health and uphold the country’s cultural values.
The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) announced the development in a statement, following its presentation at the 2025 World Tobacco Conference held in Ireland from 22 to 27 June. The regulation was widely praised at the global event as a bold and visionary step toward responsible media governance.
Speaking at the conference, NFVCB Executive Director, Shaibu Husseini, shared a comprehensive report outlining the policy’s goals, stakeholder engagement efforts, and enforcement strategies. He highlighted the regulation’s role in controlling the promotion and glamourisation of harmful content, including tobacco, drugs, and ritual practices, across Nigerian media.
“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,” Mr. Husseini stated.
Conference participants lauded Nigeria’s pioneering initiative, calling it a courageous model for other African nations. Minister Musawa was also commended for her leadership in addressing media influences on public health and cultural identity.
A key outcome of the conference was the commitment by several international organisations to support Nigeria’s implementation of the regulation. Assistance—comprising logistical and technical resources—will be coordinated through their Nigerian partner, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), to improve awareness and compliance within the creative industry.
The NFVCB reaffirmed its dedication to enforcing the policy, stressing that it would work closely with both local and international partners to ensure the Nigerian entertainment sector does not promote harmful behaviours or ideologies.
This initiative places Nigeria at the forefront of media regulation in Africa, aligning with global public health efforts to reduce the impact of harmful media portrayals on society.
