The Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr. Shaibu Husseini has warned the producer of Living in Colors against the Sunday, August 30, 2026 premiere of the movie.

The trailer for this film released on Sunday, August 23, 2026 actively promotes same-sex relationships and depicts explicit pornography.

Nigerian authorities and censorship boards strictly oppose movies that promote LGBTQ+ themes and have severally threatened legal action.

In 2020,  the government threatened jail time against the creators of lesbian love story Ìfé.

Homosexuality remains strictly criminalized in Nigeria, to get around this, the filmmakers are planning a surprise release to catch the regulators off-guard. The NFVCB, however, is diligently monitoring all digital platforms to prevent the movie from getting out.

Nigeria is one of 30 countries in Africa where it is criminalised.
The legislation outlawing same-sex relationships was passed in 2014 by the Goodluck Jonathan government and built on the prohibition of sodomy. Police in Nigeria have cracked down on people suspected of homosexuality, forcing most into hiding.

Though, the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community in Africa is becoming increasingly vocal and visible with to the help of internet providing a space for films, talk shows and websites, it however remains banned.

Living in Colors slated for premiere at Banex Mall, Plot 10 Akiogun Road,
Oniru Lekki, Lagos explores the lives of five young flatmates living in Lagos, Nigeria, navigating life as queers.

The producer claimed the movie unfolds love, betrayal, desperation, brotherhood, and sexuality as they all pursue their goals.

When The Guardian reached out to Dr. Husseini and forwarded him the movie’s trailer, he said though he has not seen the full movie, but he can confirm that the trailer for the film depicts explicit pornography and actively promotes same-sex relationships.

“The Board states categorically that this film has neither been submitted, vetted, nor classified by the NFVCB, rendering any public exhibition or promotion completely illegal.

Consequently, the Board is taking immediate regulatory actions on the movie, the filmmakers and on the exhibition centre that would allow the premiere and public exhibition of a movie that has not ben licensed by the NFVCB.

Thank you. We will take necessary action.”
Main characters in the movie are Jeremy, Justine, Efe, Chris, Shawn and Robert.