The National Films and Videos Censors Board (NFVCB) has declared that distributing skits, films, or music videos without proper classification is an offence.
Films and other audiovisual content are assigned an age grade and content advisory by the movie classification system. It assists kids and families in making the right decisions and staying away from the wrong things.
The NFVCB declared in May that it will start classifying audio-visual materials such as music videos and skits.
The executive director of the NFVCB board, Shaibu Husseini, argued that Nigeria needs to prioritise content video classification.
The executive director announced in a statement that the NFVCB has begun the process of establishing “a world-class classification centre”.
He issued a warning to content creators not to release films, skits, or music videos without proper attribution.
The NFVCB boss added that the board is collaborating with security agencies to track filmmakers found culpable.
“It is also an offence to distribute or exhibit any film or video content including skits and musical videos on any platform without recourse to the National Film and Video Censors Board for classification,” he said.
“The board therefore wishes to state categorically that we are working with relevant security agencies to track the individuals and production companies involved, and will stop at nothing to make sure they face the full wrath of the law.”
The NFVCB also frowned at the promotion and distribution of same-sex content on social media.
“Filmmakers and content creators should be reminded that it is an offence to directly or indirectly make public show (exhibition) of same-sex relationship in Nigeria,” it added.
For every movie or video work that its internal committee censors, the NFVCB offers a certificate of censorship.
The certificate includes information on the film’s or video’s classification/rating.
Its categorization categories and symbols include “C” for films targeted specifically for children, “PG” for content meant for children under parental supervision, and “G” for general display.
Some are denoted by “12,” which means that content is not advised for children under 12, and “12A,” which means that children under 12 are not permitted to enter theatres unless accompanied by an adult.
The “15” on the NFVCB indicates that a movie is not advised for viewers under the age of 15, and the “18” indicates that it is for older audiences.
