NFVCB vows to remove resurfaced gay-themed series 'Living in Colours' from YouTube
The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has renewed efforts to remove the gay-themed Nigerian web series 'Living in Colours' from YouTube after three episodes resurfaced on September 13 on the Prism House Studio channel. The seven-episode series was initially uploaded on August 30 despite NFVCB warnings, attracted over 90,000 views per episode, and was taken down by September 2 after only two days online. The NFVCB insists Nigerian content on global platforms like YouTube must undergo prior classification and registration, citing the series' unapproved status and alleged violation of the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act 2013, which prohibits public shows of same-sex amorous relationships with penalties up to 10 years imprisonment. NFVCB Executive Director Shaibu Husseini stated the Board will 'go all the way' to ensure removal, maintaining the film promotes unlawful content regardless of personal sexuality identification, and should not be shown in Nigerian territory. The dispute highlights tensions between digital distribution, creative expression, and Nigeria's conservative legal framework, with the regulator asserting its authority over Nigerian productions regardless of hosting platform while filmmakers argue the series explores societal realities through fiction.