Why Nigerian Actors Struggle Financially – Patience Ozokwor Speaks Out
Patience Ozokwor Reveals Why Many Nollywood Actors Struggle Financially
- Most Nollywood actors receive only one-time payments.
- Developed industries offer residual income, even after death.
- Many actors turn to YouTube for extra earnings.
Popular Nollywood actress Patience Ozokwor, also known as Mama G, has shed light on the financial challenges facing many actors in the Nigerian film industry, citing the absence of royalties as a major factor.
In a recent interview on the podcast Curiosity Made Me Ask, hosted by Isbae U, Ozokwor explained that most actors receive only a one-time payment for their film appearances, regardless of how often the movies continue to generate revenue.
“This is why you see us begging,” she said. “They don’t give us royalties. We work hard, and that small payment we get on set is the only money we ever receive.”
She contrasted Nollywood’s system with film industries in more developed countries, where even minor actors continue to earn from their past work throughout their lives, and their families can benefit from residual income after their passing.
“Go and look at the smallest actors in developed countries. Every work they do earns them money every day. Even when they are gone, their families still live on that. Meanwhile, we are still working hard just to survive,” she added.
Ozokwor noted that the lack of long-term income streams has driven many Nigerian actors to explore alternative platforms such as YouTube, where they can monetize their content directly.
“That’s why everyone is running to YouTube,” she said, highlighting a growing trend among industry professionals seeking financial stability outside traditional Nollywood channels.
