The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has responded to public outcry surrounding Ini Edo’s recently released film A Very Dirty Christmas, following backlash from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and concerned citizens.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Board confirmed it had not received official correspondence from CAN but acknowledged the concerns raised. The NFVCB emphasised its dedication to religious sensitivity, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence in executing its regulatory functions. Highlighting Nigeria’s diversity as a national asset, the Board affirmed its responsibility to ensure that films distributed in the country uphold religious harmony and do not offend deeply held beliefs.
The Board explained that the film underwent its standard classification review process and clarified that its approval was not intended to disrespect the Christian faith or diminish the significance of Christmas, but rather was evaluated within the framework of creative freedom.
Nevertheless, recognising the importance of public sentiment, the NFVCB has engaged the film’s producers and requested a title modification to prevent interpretations that could offend Christian sensibilities and avoid stoking religious tensions. The Board reminded stakeholders that it retains authority under the National Film and Video Censors Board Act to withdraw films from public exhibition for additional review when deemed necessary.
The NFVCB expressed its willingness to maintain ongoing dialogue with CAN, faith-based organisations, industry players, and the general public. It pledged to ensure that films shown in Nigeria foster understanding, respect for religious diversity, and national unity, while encouraging responsible creative expression.
The controversy erupted after CAN, under the leadership of President Archbishop Daniel Okoh, strongly condemned the film’s title as “offensive and disrespectful” to Christianity. The association argued that the phrase A Very Dirty Christmas undermines the spiritual essence of the Christmas season—a period symbolising purity, peace, love, and redemption. CAN contended that associating a sacred celebration with the term “dirty” trivialises its spiritual importance and reduces a solemn religious observance to something crude and sensational.
