Creatives Compensation: Payment Of Residuals In Nollywood 

Nollywood, the world’s second-largest film industry by volume, has grown exponentially breaking into global streaming markets and captivating audiences worldwide. 

Yet, beneath its vibrant storytelling and star power lies a long-standing challenge: the outdated compensation structure for creatives. Actors, writers, and directors are often paid a one-off fee, regardless of how well their projects perform or how much revenue is generated over time. 

As these films go on to earn profits through syndication, streaming, or international distribution, the people who brought them to life are left behind. 

Nigerian actress Omotola Jalade Ekeinde recently brought this to public attention, revealing that in just four years of working in Hollywood on two test projects, she earns monthly residuals, while in her three-decade Nollywood career across 310 projects, she has received none. Her statement sums it up clearly: “Nollywood needs structure.”

As the global spotlight continues to shine on Nigerian cinema, the conversation around residuals is becoming urgent. What legal reforms are needed? What economic and cultural shifts must occur? And how can the industry align more closely with global standards to ensure that creatives are fairly compensated for their work not just once, but every time it earns? These are the questions Nollywood must begin to answer if it truly hopes to evolve.


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