Nollywood Challenges And Urgent Need For Government Support

By Evan Okechukwu

Nollywood, Nigeria’s vibrant film industry, is globally recognised as the second-largest by volume, producing over 2,500 films each year. From Lagos to California, our stories are making waves, capturing the attention of streaming giants and global audiences. But beneath the surface of red carpets and high viewership lies a more complex reality: a struggling ecosystem in need of structural intervention.

As a filmmaker with over 30 credited titles, including works featured on M-Net, Conga TV, ROK TV, IBAKA TV, and Prime Video, I’ve experienced firsthand the passion and pressure that define our industry. In 2020, I was one of the nominees in the Indigenous Film category at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards. It was a proud moment, but also a reminder of how much more needs to be done to truly empower creatives, especially women, in this space.

Funding remains one of our biggest challenges. Most Nigerian filmmakers still rely on personal savings, friends or informal investors to fund their projects. Only a fraction can access structured loans or studio support. While platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime have begun commissioning African content, those opportunities are limited and often reserved for already established names. The result is a shrinking pool of creative possibilities, where stories are tailored to budget rather than vision.

The problem is worsened by inadequate infrastructure. Professional studios and post-production facilities are scarce, and erratic electricity is a constant obstacle. Many producers are forced to take their post-production work abroad, which inflates costs and deprives local crew of valuable training opportunities. These conditions push many to cut corners, affecting the final output and limiting our ability to compete globally.
Piracy remains a silent killer. It is estimated that the Nigerian film industry loses over ₦82 billion annually to unauthorized distribution. Within days of a premiere, pirated copies flood the streets and internet platforms. This not only discourages investors but also deeply undermines the earnings of producers, actors and everyone involved in the filmmaking process.

Distribution is another bottleneck. Nigeria, with a population of over 200 million, has fewer than 300 cinema screens. In contrast, South Africa, with a much smaller population, has over 900. This limited exhibition space forces filmmakers to rely heavily on streaming platforms, which often prioritize mainstream English-language content, leaving indigenous-language films and experimental works on the margins. Yet these underrepresented stories are the ones most in need of visibility and support.

Other African countries have taken bold steps. Rwanda and South Africa, for instance, have introduced tax incentives, grants and co-production treaties that attract both local and international investment. Nigeria can and must do the same by establishing a national film fund, enforcing anti-piracy regulations and creating creative hubs in different regions. This would not only improve production standards but also create thousands of jobs.

The private sector also has a role to play. Banks and investment firms can design film-specific financial products, while insurance providers can help filmmakers mitigate production risks. International collaborations like The Milkmaid or Aníkúlápó have already shown what’s possible when talent meets opportunity.
Still, in the midst of all these challenges, Nollywood continues to rise. Films like Shanty Town, King of Boys have broken global streaming records. I’ve personally had the privilege of training film crew members and producers through capacity-building programs in Nigeria. It’s clear: the talent is here. What we need is the right structure to help it flourish.

Nollywood has never lacked resilience. But resilience alone is not enough. We need systems, support and strategy. If the government, private sector and creative community come together with intention, Nigeria can move from being a film-producing giant to a world-class storytelling powerhouse.

Evan Okechukwu is a Nollywood Filmmaker