The Federal Government of Nigeria has directed the Executive Director/CEO of the National Film and Video Censors Board, NFVCB, Dr. Shaibu Husseini to approve the “Prohibition of Money Ritual, Ritual Killing, Tobacco, Tobacco Product, Nicotine Product Promotion, glamorization, display in movies, musical videos and skits” in pursuant to Section 65 of the NFVCB Act 2004.

The decision to ban smoking, money rituals and the use of any hard drugs to depict a movie in Nollywood has been met with immense criticism, as many believe that there will be no way for the actors and actresses to depict their characters well.

Following the ban, veteran musician and veteran actor: Mike Okori and Kanayo.O.Kanayo have berated the ban and have urged the government to scrap the ban, as it would hinder the actor's and actresses.

Mike Okri stated that the ban is totally wrong, as it will make the nollywood industry useless, he said; “It’s a way to silence the movie 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.”

Veteran actor, Kanayo.O.Kanayo stated that the action makes no sense, as it was not the duty of the Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa to approve bans on the movie industry.