The Nigerian government responds to requests to prohibit a movie featuring Nancy Isime wearing a niqab.

The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) of Nigeria has addressed demands to prohibit a controversial movie starring actress Nancy Isime.

The film features a poster showing a Muslim woman wearing a niqab, a traditional garment covering the whole body and face except for the eyes. This depiction led to widespread criticism online, including calls from various Muslim groups like the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) to have the film banned for being deemed satanic.

Responding to these concerns in a statement released on Friday, the NFVCB clarified that the movie is still in the production stage 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.