Why some Nollywood veterans beg for aid during health crisis – Bob-Manuel Ndokwu

Veteran Nollywood actor, Bob-Manuel Ndokwu, has explained why some of his colleagues beg the public for help during health challenges.

According to Ndokwu, Nollywood stars are not well paid for the jobs they do yet the society expects them to live a lavish lifestyle, which affects their income.

In a recent interview, the movie star advocates for royalty for his colleagues, stressing that must producers underpay the actors on their set to recoup their investment.

The actor said, “Our industry is show business and make-believe, but it’s essential to question why actors find themselves in such positions. They don’t earn as much as they should, yet they face the same costs for necessities like fuel and healthcare. Nigerian society often has double standards, expecting actors to live lavishly despite their relatively modest pay. As a result, actors sometimes appeal to the generosity of Nigerians, but it shouldn’t have to be this way.

“Nollywood started with little to no foundation, making it difficult to implement many essential structures within the industry today. For instance, there is no royalty system in Nollywood, meaning that actors receive only a one-off payment for their work. Meanwhile, times have changed, and actors now have greater responsibilities, like covering significant expenses for their children’s education. With the economy in decline, producers aim to maximise profits and, in doing so, often underpay actors.

“For example, an actor might be paid N20m for a movie that later gets translated and generates substantial revenue, yet the actor won’t receive any additional compensation. This differs from the experience of actors abroad, who continue to earn royalties even if they retire, as long as their work generates income. Creativity has timeless value, but society expects Nigerian actors to live comparably to their international counterparts. Male actors, in particular, face challenges in a society where they are expected to bear family responsibilities alone. Many are pressured to maintain appearances for fans while struggling financially, a reality that the public often mocks when they face difficulties.”