Veteran Nollywood actress and producer Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde is calling for urgent structural reforms in Nigeria’s film industry, citing her personal experiences in both Nollywood and Hollywood.
In a now-trending Instagram post shared on Saturday, the star actress — who has over three decades of experience and more than 310 projects to her name — expressed concern over the absence of residual payments in Nollywood.
Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde used her platform to highlight the sharp contrast between the Nigerian film industry and Hollywood, especially regarding actors’ compensation and long-term earnings. According to her, despite working for decades in Nollywood, she has never received residuals — a standard practice in more structured film industries.
Comparing her work across the two spaces, she revealed that she has been receiving monthly residuals in Hollywood for just two test projects completed within a short period.
“Just four years in Hollywood. Two test projects, monthly residuals,” she said.
Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde also shared a photo of an envelope from SAG-AFTRA, the prominent American union representing film and media professionals, as further proof of how structured systems can benefit creatives.
She concluded with a sobering reflection on the state of Nollywood:
“30years in Nollywood, with over 310 projects, no residuals. #NollywoodNeedsStructure and #UnlearntoRelearn.”
Omotola’s powerful message has sparked conversations across the industry, with fans and fellow creatives echoing the need for better systems that prioritize long-term welfare for Nigerian actors and producers.
