The Urgent Need for Safety and Regulation in Nollywood: My Wake-Up Call
Earlier this year, I found myself on the set of a Nollywood production — excited, passionate, ready to create magic with fellow creatives.
But what unfolded was an experience that shook me deeply.
We worked for over 18 hours straight under the scorching sun, with no provision for water or snacks. If you needed a drink or something to eat, you had to leave the set and buy it yourself.
There was no medical personnel on standby, no structured breaks, and no visible concern for anyone’s physical well-being.
It didn’t take long before people started showing signs of exhaustion, dehydration, and frustration.
Standing there, I realized: This is not just an unfortunate situation — it’s a dangerous norm.
And if something doesn’t change, more lives will be put at risk.
The Invisible Price of Neglect
Behind Nollywood’s glitz and glamour lies a harsh, often hidden reality: many film sets are dangerously unregulated.
Actors perform risky stunts without professional supervision.
Crew members endure backbreaking schedules without adequate rest or nourishment.
There is often no emergency medical plan in place if things go wrong.
Every overlooked risk piles up until tragedy strikes — and when it does, the sorrow is overwhelming and often preventable.
Each time we neglect safety, we betray the very people who bring our stories to life.
Why Safety and Regulation Must Become Non-Negotiable
1. Human Lives Are Priceless
Actors, directors, and crew are more than just tools for storytelling. They are human beings, with dreams, families, and futures. Their safety must never be compromised.
2. Professional Standards Demand It
If Nollywood is serious about playing on the global stage, it must reflect global standards — and that begins with respecting and protecting its workforce.
3. The Industry’s Sustainability Depends on It
An industry that exploits and exhausts its talents is building its own grave. Protecting creatives ensures a steady, thriving pipeline of future storytellers.
4. It’s a Moral Imperative
At the core of our humanity is the duty to protect one another. No film or financial gain should ever outweigh the value of human life.
What Must Be Done: Actionable Solutions for a Safer Nollywood
1. Mandatory Union Membership
Actors, crew, and filmmakers must be registered under professional bodies like the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), ensuring they are protected by enforceable standards.
2. Enforceable Safety Protocols
The Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) and industry unions should develop and mandate basic safety requirements:
- Certified set inspectors.
- On-site emergency medical personnel.
- Proper rest schedules and nutrition plans for all cast and crew.
3. Production Insurance as a Requirement
No production should be allowed without verified insurance covering the lives and equipment involved.
4. Regular Safety Training and Certification
Training in basic set safety, first aid, and emergency response must be made mandatory for all key crew members.
5. Accountability and Penalties
Random audits must be conducted, and productions that fail to meet safety standards should face heavy fines or license suspensions.
6. Recognition for Safety Excellence
Instituting awards for “Safest Production” could incentivize filmmakers to prioritize safety as part of their brand identity.
In Conclusion: Building a Safer, Greater Nollywood
My experience on that set was not an isolated case — it is a widespread issue.
And unless we treat safety and regulation as non-negotiable pillars, we risk losing more of the very talents we celebrate.
It’s time to stand up and say:
“No more preventable deaths. No more negligence. Nollywood must protect its own.”
The future of Nollywood is not just about bigger films or international acclaim — it’s about building an industry that values life, professionalism, and dignity.
Only then will Nollywood not just entertain the world — but inspire it.
Author’s Note:
If you’ve ever worked on a Nollywood set and witnessed or experienced safety neglect, your voice matters. Let’s raise awareness and demand a safer, more professional film industry.
Together, we can create change.
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