"No Residuals in 30 Years": Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde Critiques Nollywood's Lack of Royalties, Urges Urgent Industry Overhaul

 

Veteran Nigerian actress and filmmaker, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, has sparked widespread debate across the entertainment landscape following a candid reflection on the structural deficiencies plaguing Nollywood. The screen icon, who has enjoyed over three decades of active participation in the Nigerian film industry, took to Instagram on Saturday to share her discontent over the lack of residual payments — a standard practice in Hollywood but almost non-existent in Nigeria’s booming movie scene.

The actress, revered both locally and internationally for her stellar performances and pioneering role in shaping modern Nollywood, contrasted her professional experiences in the United States and Nigeria. Her comparison was made even more striking with the revelation that despite working on only two "test" projects in Hollywood over a span of four years, she has consistently received residual income every month.

Her post featured a snapshot of an envelope bearing the insignia of SAG-AFTRA — the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists — the powerful union that ensures actors, voice artists, and other media professionals in the U.S. receive fair compensation and royalties. Omotola captioned it with pointed clarity: “Just four years in Hollywood. Two test projects, monthly residuals. 30 years in Nollywood, over 310 projects, no residuals.”

She didn't stop there. Using hashtags such as #NollywoodNeedsStructure and #UnlearntoRelearn, the actress underscored the need for a systemic re-evaluation of how the Nigerian film industry compensates its talent, both during and after production.

This public reflection arrives at a critical juncture for Nollywood, which, despite its explosive growth and international acclaim, continues to face longstanding challenges around funding models, distribution, copyright enforcement, and labor rights. While Nigerian films are streamed globally on platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and YouTube, the financial benefits seldom trickle down to actors once filming is complete.

Many observers see Omotola’s post as a courageous step in confronting an uncomfortable but necessary truth. Her stature in the industry lends weight to the call for structural reform — a call that resonates with many actors who have long voiced similar concerns but lacked the platform or influence to initiate real change.

Film critic and Nollywood historian Tunde Obadina described her comments as “a landmark moment,” adding, “For someone of Omotola’s caliber to speak out this frankly about royalties is significant. It forces both producers and policymakers to confront what has been a festering problem for years — the disposability of actors once a project wraps up.”

Younger actors, meanwhile, are seizing the opportunity to amplify the message. Social media is now awash with posts from emerging stars who echo Omotola’s sentiments, sharing their own experiences of being shortchanged despite starring in popular films or series. Many recount receiving one-off payments for roles in productions that continue to be monetized online or syndicated without their knowledge or benefit.

The discussion is also reigniting interest in establishing a robust actors’ guild that mirrors the operational power of organizations like SAG-AFTRA. Industry experts argue that without a legally empowered body to negotiate on behalf of actors, producers will continue to determine terms in a one-sided environment.

Beyond the matter of royalties, Omotola’s broader message touches on a deeply rooted need for education, reform, and transparency. Her hashtag #UnlearntoRelearn suggests a need for a cultural shift — one where industry players are willing to abandon outdated practices in favor of globally accepted standards that safeguard artistic labor and intellectual property.

Observers point to successful film industries like Bollywood and Hollywood where structured payment systems, insurance plans, and residuals are essential aspects of contractual agreements. The implication is clear: for Nollywood to sustain its global rise, it must address the internal inequalities that threaten its foundation.

Omotola’s remarks are likely to remain a touchstone for future conversations about labor rights in Nollywood. Her voice, forged from years of experience, cuts through the glamour and applause to reveal a sobering reality: Nigerian actors are still waiting for a system that values their contribution beyond the set.

The actress has always been more than a performer. As a producer, philanthropist, and advocate, she represents a generation of creatives determined to see Nollywood evolve not just in content but in conscience. And with this latest call to action, she may have just reignited the long-overdue movement toward building a truly equitable film industry in Nigeria.