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FG Bans ‘Money Rituals’, Other Vices In Nollywood Films

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Dr Shaibu Husseini, Executive Director/CEO of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), says the Federal Government has approved the prohibition of money rituals and glamorising of vices in Nigerian films.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Husseini disclosed this at a National Stakeholders Engagement on Smoke-Free Nollywood held in Enugu on Wednesday.

The event was organised by the NFVCB and Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA).

Movie producers, directors and actors drawn from different parts of the country, as well as leaders of various guilds and associations in the Nigerian film industry were present at the event.

Husseini said that Nigeria was facing an industry emergency requiring bold and ambitious actions from all parents, guardians and stakeholders.

“When my predecessor approached the former Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Muhammed, on the need to make subsidiary legislation to curtail the display of smoking in Nigerian movies, he saw the need to include money rituals.

“Others included in the regulation are ritual killings and glamorising other crimes in order to further sanitise the film industry.

“Today, I am delighted to announce to you that the Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, pursuant to section 65 of the NFVCB Act 2004 has approved the regulation.

“The minister has approved the ‘Prohibition of Money Ritual, Ritual Killing, Tobacco, Tobacco Products, Nicotine Product Promotion and Glamorisation display in Movies, Musical Videos and Skits Regulations 2024’.

“We have also forwarded the approved copy to the Federal Ministry of Justice for Gazette,” he said.

Husseini said the sensitisation programme was to educate stakeholders on the danger inherent in smoking in Nigerian movies.

According to him, besides the health implications, glamorising smoking in films poses a negative influence on teens and young adults who constitute the largest segment of Nigerian movie viewers.

He said that the board was set to undertake detailed enlightenment programmes in secondary schools, tertiary institutions, local communities, faith groups and other institutions.

“As you all know, the film industry occupies a central position in the entertainment and creative sector, and it is imperative that we continue to place the highest premium on the progress of the film industry.

“The NFVCB supports smoke-free movies and smoke-free Nollywood, and we, therefore, seek your collaboration to develop creative content that discourages smoking and promotes positive health messages.

“After a series of engagements, the NFVCB in collaboration with the CAPPA decided to do a ‘subsidiary regulations’ to cater for smoking in movies since this aspect was not expressly spelt out in the extant Law.

“The NFVCB is well prepared to take leadership in this regard and has planned and begun implementing innovative ways to achieve its mandate,” he said.

NAN reports that it is the duty of the Board to register all film and video outlets across the country and to keep a register of such registered outlets among other functions.

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FG cancels Tinubu’s One Year Anniversary Celebration

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris has disclosed that there will be no fanfare to mark President Bola Tinubu’s one year in office.

He said there would be low-key activities to mark the anniversary.

The Minister said this on Wednesday during a World Press conference to commence “Ministerial Sectoral Updates” as part of the activities to mark President Tinubu’s one year in office.

Idris, however, emphasised that there would be no form of celebration owing to the mood of the nation.

“There won’t be any form of celebrations; there will be sectoral briefings,” he stated.

The Minister, who restated that the media remained critical stakeholders in the Nigeria project, urged the practitioners to “report responsibly and with a deep sense of patriotism to the nation.”

He stressed that press freedom comes along with responsibilities.

He added that President Tinubu, as a product of democracy, was interested in press freedom.

The Information Minister said it was in that spirit that the government was determined to keep the people informed of its policies and achievements.

While responding to a question, he, however, pleaded with the media to collaborate with the government in fighting fake news, which he said was more deadly to the nation than cancer.

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Air travellers to enjoy free Wi-Fi at Lagos, Abuja airports – FG

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Air passengers travelling through Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, NAIA, Abuja, can now use free Wi-Fi, Vanguard has gathered.

Special Assistant to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Tunde Moshood, on Sunday, confirmed the development.

Moshood also said plans were in progress to have free Wi-Fi services installed at other airports across the country, saying access to free internet services at the country’s airports conforms with Keyamo’s third agenda.

Moshood, in a chat with Vanguard, said: “Both local and international flyers can now enjoy free Wi-Fi in Lagos and Abuja, at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and Murtala Muhammed International Airport (Terminal 1 & Terminal 2). Stay connected, surf the web and make your journey smoother.

“Look for the NCC Free Airport Wi-Fi, and get connected. Your life does not have to pause while at the airport. Use the Wi-Fi to enjoy all your latest music and download your favourite Netflix programmes.

“Look for the NCC Free Airport Wi-Fi, and get connected. Your life does not have to pause while at the airport. Use the Wi-Fi to enjoy all your latest music and download your favourite Netflix programmes.

“Other airports are presently on course. This actually complies with the agenda of the Minister, which is to improve infrastructures across all airports and the aviation industry as a whole.”

Recall that Keyamo had attributed the absence of airport Wi-Fi to bureaucratic hurdles between the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, and the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, which he swiftly resolved by allocating Wi-Fi provision to NAMA.

Collaborating with the Ministry of Communication, Keyamo said he was ensuring imminent access to complimentary Wi-Fi at airports, with discussions underway with international firms for in-flight Wi-Fi.

He said the initiative aligned with global aviation standards, which is to enhance passenger connectivity during flights.

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JUST IN: FG Suspends Accreditation Of Degree Certificates From Benin Republic, Togo

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Federal Government has suspended the accreditation and evaluation of degree certificates from Benin Republic and Togo.

This move followed a report detailing how a degree was acquired from a university in Benin Republic in under two months.

“This report lends credence to suspicions that some Nigerians deploy nefarious means and unconscionable methods to get a Degree with the end objective of getting graduate job opportunities for which they are not qualified,” the spokesperson for the Ministry of Education Augustina Obilor-Duru said in a Tuesday statement.

“The Federal Ministry of Education vehemently decries such acts and with effect from 2nd January 2024 is suspending evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from Benin and Togo Republics pending the outcome of an investigation that would involve the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria and the two countries, the ministries responsible for Education in the two countries as well the Department of State Security Services (DSSS), and the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC).”

The ministry is also calling on Nigerians to assist in providing information to help the committee as it seeks lasting solutions to prevent future occurrences.

“FME has been contending with the problem including illegal institutions located abroad or at home preying on unsuspecting, innocent Nigerians and some desperate Nigerians who deliberately patronize such outlets,” the statement added.

“Periodically, warnings have been issued by the Ministry and NUC against the resort to such institutions and in some instances, reports made to security agencies to clamp down on the perpetrators. The ministry will continue to review its strategy to plug any loopholes, processes, and procedures and deal decisively with any conniving officials.”

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INSECURITY: FG Considers Ban On Motorcycles and Mining Nationwide

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Attorney general of the federation, Abubakar Malami has confirmed that the federal government is considering to ban motorcycles and mining nationwide in order to fight insecurity.

Briefing newsmen Thursday at the end of the National Security Council meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, said the ban was one of the resolutions arrived at during the security meeting.

Malami said that the terrorist have moved from conversional means of funding their activities, evolving their financing techniques to mining and ransom taking, which has prompted federal government intervention.

The Attorney general pointed out that the nature of their activities has made government action imperative in order to guarantee the Country’s security. He however noted that the federal government was not unaware of the economic consequences of the proposed resolution, particularly the motorcycle ban.

The AGF stated: “The issues deliberated border on one, the logistics being used by the terrorists, Boko Haram and bandits among others in the act of executing their unfortunate act of terrorism and terrorising the country.

“It was extensively deliberated upon as to what needs to be done for the purpose of ensuring that their means of logistics are indeed adequately considered and necessary steps are taken in degrading their capacity to move around.

“So, discussions were carried out, deliberations made and sizeable resolutions in that direction were equally developed.

“The government would looked into that possibility with particular regard to restriction on use and distribution of motorcycles which is the most conventional logistical means being deployed by terrorists.

“Again, issues of funding of the terrorism and the terrorism acts were discussed and deliberated upon and considered. As you rightly know, recently the government under the leadership of President Buhari had indeed, passed, assented to certain bills inclusive of the money laundering, prevention and prohibition act among others.

“With the passage of that law, and assented to, the conventional means of terrorists funding and financing was substantially and drastically addressed and that led to forensic analysis of and identification of certain personalities that were in one way or the other connected with terrorism funding and financing.

“But then, new innovations were brought into it, into the terrorists funding and financing inclusive of the use of mineral resources – the mining for example among others. And indeed, ransom, which

conventionally has been taken by the terrorists, and then, the need arises to now look into those frontiers that are being considered by the terrorists for the purpose of addressing them accordingly.

“A resolution was equally developed on the need to address frontally, attack and ensure at the end of the day that other considerations being put in place by terrorists in terms of funding their activities are equally addressed.

“And with that in mind, the government is looking at what measures to take in terms of addressing, bridging and blocking associated sources of funding including payment for ransom and indeed, the mining activities and the possibility or otherwise of suspending for the time being, mining activities, are being considered as well, by the government.

“Again other than logistics and funding, mining, other considerations were equally put in place on table for consideration by council with particular regard to the unfortunate incident of the (Kuje) Correctional Service attack and equally, there were anticipated resolutions arising from the consequences associated with dereliction of duty.

“Issues associated with logistics of terrorists and bandits, issues associated with blockage of the source of funding, issues associated with the likely possible suspension of mining activities if indeed, it is a nexus and connection is indeed established and the issues associated with consequences for dereliction of duty if indeed, it is established arising from the report expected and anticipated relating to the Kuje correctional incident.”

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Ban: FG Keeps Mum Despite Adherence by Twitter, Other Social Media Risk Ban

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Twitter users may soon have access to the social media platform which has met the six conditions imposed on it by the Federal Government.

The Technical Committee raised by the government to resolve the impasse between the two parties is fine-tuning the offers by the micro blogger before making a final recommendation to President Muhammadu Buhari.

The President is also awaiting the report of the committee to lift the ban it imposed on Twitter on June 4, last year.

It was learnt that the President has agreed in principle that Twitter’s social networking operation be restored in Nigeria.

There were, however, indications yesterday that the government plans to amend the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Act to include Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and other social media platforms

Investigation by The Nation revealed that Twitter has complied with all the terms given by the government to restore its services.

The conditions agreed to by the firm are:

• Open an office in Nigeria
• Have a country representative
• Register with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)/get National Broadcasting Commission’s licence
• Payment of fair taxes
• Sensitive to national security and cohesion. It must not undermine the nation’s security
• Train Nigerian IT personnel and strategic intelligence officers on how to report twitter abuse /infractions noticed by the government.

A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “From the records, Twitter has finally met six conditions set by the Federal Government for the lifting of the ban on its service in Nigeria as at the close of business in 2021.

“The operation of Twitter will now be fully regulated, including opening of office and deployment of a Country Representative. We can now hold an officer responsible for any infraction.

“Twitter only requested that the Federal Government should allow it to open the office in 2022 because there was no provision for it in its last year’s budget. Since we are in a new year, we are expecting that the office will take off soon.

“With payment of taxes, we are hopeful that the government will earn enhanced revenue from Twitter. This ban has helped to correct the lapses of the past. For instance, Twitter has been raking huge cash from Nigeria without legal backing and compliance with our revenue laws.

“Although it was alleged that Nigerians have lost over N6billion to the ban but the Federal Government has lost much more in revenue.

“In spite of recourse to VPN by some users in Nigeria, Twitter revenue slumped considerably because this alternative does not fetch income to it.

“Now, the era of impunity is gone. Twitter must register with CAC and operate in Nigeria as a business concern which it is in other parts of the world.”

Responding to a question, the source said: “The two parties reached consensus on how to manage posts likely to cause security breaches and those that can threaten Nigerian security.

“The security matter was the last point of negotiation. The two parties agreed on how to report offensive/inflammatory posts or reports that undermine Nigerian security.

“Part of the agreement borders on the need to train some Nigerian IT experts and intelligence officers on how to track report and relate instantly with Twitter to flag down such posts.”

Asked when the ban will be lifted, the source added: “The Technical Committee is looking into and fine-tuning offers from Twitter, especially reporting line and technical training, before making final recommendation to the President to lift the ban.

“President Buhari has agreed in principle to lift the ban but we have to consider the conditions and what Twitter offered. Some aspects have IT implications which the Technical Committee must study in the overall interest of the nation. Once the President gets the report of the committee, he will decide.”

As at press time, it was gathered that the government will soon submit a request to the National Assembly to amend National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Act.

Another source added: “The proposed amendments will accommodate all the conditions given to Twitter. Our law will now fully incorporate the technical and business dimensions of the agreement between the two parties.

“The same law will now be applicable to the operation of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and other internet platforms.”

On June 4, 2021, Information, Culture and Tourism Minister Lai Mohammed announced an indefinite ban on Twitter after the deletion of some tweets by President Buhari.

A lawyer, Inibehe Effiong filed an application before a Federal High Court in Lagos seeking a declaration to declare suspension of Twitter as a violation of human rights.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN) told the court that “Nigerians are still tweeting, even at this moment as the ban on Twitter is not aimed at intimidating Nigerians or an infringement on the rights of Nigerians to express their opinion.”

On its part, Twitter chose to enter into negotiation with the Federal Government to end the spat over the ban.

The talks by the two parties have been concluded but it is left to the government to make its final decision.

On the possibility of lifting the ban, Mohammed said last year: “And as to the qualifying word for when or how soon, I want to assure you that the time that Twitter operation has been suspended, (I meant) between the time it has been suspended, and when it will be restored is by far, much, much shorter.

“Twitter will be licensed by the broadcasting commission, and must agree not to allow its platform to be used by those who are promoting activities that are inimical to the corporate existence of Nigeria.”

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Why FG Condemned Vehicles Assembled By Innoson, Others

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Federal Government has said that the vehicles assembled by local and indigenous auto companies are not what the government wants.

The Minister of Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo made the disclosure while briefing on the status of some of the signed African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCTA), it’s impact on the economy of the Nation and other key investment updates regarding the Buhari-led Administration.

Nigeria has nine auto manufacturers, according to the National Automotive Design and Development Council

They are Peugeot Automobile Nigeria, Nissan Motors, Honda Motors, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company, Hyundai Motor Company, Ford Motor Company, GIC Motor Companies Ltd, JAC Motors and Kia Motors.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigerians spent N1.08trn to import used cars and motorcycles between October 2018 and September 2019.

Yemi Osinbajo, Nigeria’s Vice President had said at the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) conference in 2020 that local production has not grown as desired, adding that their limited growth has led to high prices of automobiles.

Adebayo said that the companies have underperformed as expected by the Nigerian government.

He said, “As at today, vehicles are assembled in Nigeria, but they are not what we want because what we are assembling today does not give us a couple of value chain as we want.

“What we have done in the ministry is that we set our self a target. We held meetings with original equipment manufacturers and they said yes they want to set up businesses in Nigeria, however, they need protection for whatever investment they want to make.

“And based on that, we now looked into having a proper auto policy. What we have done is we now approached the Afrexim Bank who have partnered with us and they are funding. We have employed some of these international consulting firms, we have employed them. They are going to be paid by some of the grants we have received from Afrexim Bank.

“They are coming with the auto policy, it is being funded by Afrexim Bank and once that auto policy is ready we will take it to Federal Executive Council. Once FEC approves it, we will take it to the National Assembly and pass into law.

“Once it is passed into law, the original equipment manufacturers- the auto makers will now know that there is a law that protects their investments at that point they will now come and invest in Nigeria.”

The minister also disclosed ongoing plans to revive Tinapa, a business and leisure resort located North of Calabar municipality, Cross River State.

Located in the Tinapa Free Zone and Resort, the project which was built under the Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke, cost N55.88bn.

But the Minister said, “There has been an interest shown in Tinapa by a tech company. I know an approach has been made to the governor of Cross River State, with a view to seeing that they want to take it over and turn it into a tech hub. Talks are ongoing on in that direction.”

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