The ban is a component of initiatives to purify the motion picture business. Section 65 of the NFVCB Act 2004, which includes the “Prohibition of Money Ritual, Ritual Killing, Tobacco, Tobacco Products, Nicotine Product Promotion, and Glamourization of Criminal Activities in Movies, Musical Videos, and Skits” Regulations 2024, was approved by Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy.

Nonetheless, notable personalities in the Nigerian entertainment sector have criticized the choice. Prominent singer Mike Okri and seasoned actor Kanayo O. Kanayo have also voiced their disdain.

Okri has called the government’s formalized move on Wednesday an attempt to stifle the film industry and has urged the authorities to focus on more urgent national challenges.