Nigerian Govt react to calls for ban of film with Nancy Isime in niqab

In response to demands that a contentious movie starring actress Nancy Isime be banned, the Nigerian government, acting through the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), has taken action.

According to ZINGTIE, Isime appeared in a heist scene of an unreleased film while sporting a niqab in a widely shared poster.

Some Muslim women cover their entire body and face with a long cloth called a niqab, leaving only their eyes visible.

The poster, however, sparked a wave of online criticism, with many Muslims, notably the Muslim Rights Concern, or MURIC, demanding that the NFVCB outlaw the movie, branding it as demonic.

The NFVCB responded to the calls on Friday by stating that the movie is still being produced and has not yet been submitted for classification.

“The National Film and Video Censors Board, NFVCB, the statutory regulatory agency for film and video works as well as exhibition and distribution in Nigeria, have received complaints about an upcoming Nigerian movie that associated the Hijab, an outfit attributed to Muslim women that symbolizes modesty and religious devotion, with negative moral vices.

“Our check revealed that the movie has not been released, and it has not been submitted for classification as required by law and our mandate.

“However, we have been able to reach the producers of the film and have taken steps to address the concerns raised with the producers.

“We restate that as a classification agency, we will not overlook any movie or video works, including skits that abuse, denigrate, or undermine religious, cultural, and ethnic sensibilities.

“We commit to contributing to positive transformation of the Nigerian society through classification of video and film works whilst balancing the need to preserve freedom of expression within the law, and limit cultural, social and religious harm caused by films,” the agency said.

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