Veteran Nollywood actress Patience Ozokwo has spoken candidly about the financial challenges faced by actors in Nigeria’s film industry. According to her, the lack of royalties is a key reason why many performers struggle to achieve long-term financial stability.
Ozokwo explained that most actors are only paid for their time on set, with no share in the ongoing profits from film screenings, streaming, or international distribution. “The reason why Nollywood actors and actresses are poor is because we don’t get royalties for what we do, we only get paid for our appearance at the shoot,” she said.
She noted that this system leaves talented performers dependent on constant work to sustain themselves, rather than being able to benefit from the lasting value of their creative contributions. In contrast, industries in other countries often provide actors with royalties or residual income, allowing them to earn continuously from their work over time.
The actress also highlighted a growing trend of performers turning to digital platforms such as YouTube to supplement their income. By creating their own content or sharing behind-the-scenes footage and web series, actors can reach global audiences and generate revenue directly, bypassing traditional production models.
Ozokwo’s comments have sparked discussions within the industry about fair compensation and the need for systemic reforms that would allow actors to benefit from their work long after filming ends. Many believe that implementing royalties could not only improve financial security for actors but also encourage higher quality productions and investment in Nollywood’s growth.
Her insights underscore the importance of rethinking the economics of the Nigerian film industry and finding sustainable ways to reward talent for the cultural value they create.
