Veteran Nigerian actress and producer, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, has called for urgent structural reforms in Nollywood.
With over three decades of experience in the film industry, Omotola made this passionate appeal through a viral Instagram post on Saturday, June 7.
The actress, widely respected for her roles in more than 300 films, compared her experiences working in Nigeria’s Nollywood with her brief time in Hollywood. She highlighted one major difference: the issue of residual payments, or royalties.
Hollywood pays royalties, Nollywood doesn’t
Omotola expressed her concern about how Nigerian actors are often left without long-term financial rewards for their work. According to her, Hollywood’s payment structure ensures that actors continue to earn from their past projects, long after filming ends. This system is known as residual payments.
To illustrate, she revealed that she has been receiving monthly residual payments in the United States. These payments come from just two short-term projects she worked on during her four years in Hollywood.
“Just four years in Hollywood. Two test projects. Monthly residuals,” she wrote.
She posted a photo of an envelope from SAG-AFTRA, the American union that protects the rights of film and media professionals. The envelope contained her latest payment statement, showing that Hollywood continues to reward her work even after production ended.
Nollywood’s lack of structure hurts actors
In contrast, Omotola expressed deep disappointment over the lack of such a system in Nigeria. Despite acting in over 310 Nollywood productions throughout her 30-year career, she said she has never received any form of residual income.
“30 years in Nollywood, with over 310 projects, no residuals,” she noted in her post. She added hashtags like #NollywoodNeedsStructure and #UnlearntoRelearn to emphasize the urgency of reform and the need for a mindset shift within the industry.
Omotola’s remarks have sparked discussions across social media, with many Nigerians expressing support and frustration over the poor welfare of creatives in Nollywood.
Why residuals matter
Residual payments, also known as royalties, are a crucial part of the entertainment business in many developed countries. They ensure that actors, directors, and writers are paid whenever their work is rebroadcast, streamed, or sold.
In Hollywood, residuals are backed by strong labor unions like SAG-AFTRA. These unions negotiate contracts that protect artists and ensure they benefit financially over time.
In Nollywood, however, there is no such system in place. Once an actor is paid for a role, that is usually the end of their earnings from that project. Even if the movie becomes a hit and generates millions in revenue, the actors receive nothing more.
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A wake-up call for Nollywood
Omotola’s post is a clear call for change. Her message is not just about money. It is about building an industry that values and respects its professionals. An industry where hard work is rewarded beyond the initial payment.
She believes that for Nollywood to grow and compete globally, it must adopt international best practices. That includes setting up structures for fair compensation, legal protection, and sustainable income for creatives.
“It’s time to unlearn bad habits and relearn better ways,” she suggested.
Moving forward: What Nollywood can do
Her post has once again opened the door to a broader conversation about reform in the Nigerian film industry. Experts believe that Nollywood can move forward by forming stronger guilds and unions. These bodies would represent the interests of actors and ensure better working conditions.
Also, there is a growing call for proper contracts and transparent financial systems within the industry. Filmmakers, producers, and distributors must begin to see actors not just as performers, but as key stakeholders in the success of a movie.
Final thoughts
Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde’s call is timely and necessary. With more Nigerian movies gaining international attention, the industry must evolve. Protecting artists’ rights and ensuring fair compensation is a big part of that journey.
As Omotola’s words continue to trend online, many hope her voice will be the spark that finally drives lasting change in Nollywood.
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