Once again, a Nollywood actor is rushed to the hospital not because of a car accident or home fall, but because of something that happened right on set. Actor Godwin Nnadiekwe revealed that while filming, his co-star Zubby Michael kicked him in the chest. It wasn’t part of the script. It wasn’t directed. It wasn’t planned. But it landed him in serious pain and internal bleeding. And guess what? He had to take care of himself, no support, no coverage, no assistance.
This isn’t Nollywood of 1999. This is 2025. And we’re still operating without contracts, without proper safety protocols, and with zero regard for basic professional standards.
Let’s Talk About That Word We All Avoid: “Contract”
A contract is not just grammar or big English. It’s not pride or packaging. It’s your protection. It is the difference between being treated on set like a serious actor or like an extra in a primary school drama club.
Omotayo Inakoju, a brilliant entertainment lawyer, recently said something at a Twitter film event that should be printed on every call sheet: “You’re not doing the producer a favour by showing up without a contract.”
That contract isn’t just for payment terms. It should include things like:
- Medical provisions in case of injury
- Safety measures and accident clauses
- Script boundaries (so no one can suddenly turn your role into WWE)
- Transportation and accommodation agreements
- Clear timelines for work and deliverables
And let’s be clear, if there’s no contract, the moment something goes wrong, you’re on your own. Even if it happens because of the production, the industry is filled with ghost producers and vanishing directors. You’ll be lucky to even get a “sorry.”
But What About the Hustle?
Now, let’s face the hard truth. We can’t preach contracts without acknowledging the desperation in Nollywood. The struggle to get known is real. Upcoming actors are praying, fasting, hustling, and borrowing money just to be called for a role. Imagine telling someone who’s been waiting years for a shot to walk away because there’s no contract. Many won’t.
Some producers will tell you straight: “If you’re not ready, we’ll call someone else.” And they’re not bluffing. You question too much, they’ll replace you.
It’s not even only upcoming actors. Even mid-level actors with years of experience get dragged like newcomers. They still face bad food, poor accommodation, and zero structure. The difference? They just don’t speak out because of shame.
This Industry Can Hurt You. Literally
Let’s stop romanticizing acting. This is work. Dangerous work, if there’s no structure. What happened to Godwin could’ve turned fatal. A kick to the chest isn’t a joke.
Remember Jemima Osunde’s story? She revealed she’s been dealing with chronic stomach issues for three years because of contaminated food on set. That was someone’s carelessness that altered her health. Same with Junior Pope’s tragic case an entire boat scene with no life jackets. We cried then. But what have we changed since?
No actor should ever walk on set without being protected. This is not a war zone. It’s a film set.
The Asaba Syndrome: Vibes Over Structure
This issue is even worse in some arms of the industry, especially the Asaba sector. That industry thrives on “who you know” and not “what’s in writing.” You’ll hear, “I know the director, na my guy.” Until that “guy” drops you mid-project and moves on.
What’s the Solution?
Let’s not just shout. Let’s act. Here’s how we can all move forward:
- Actors: If the production doesn’t offer a contract, have your own. Draft something simple and take it with you. You can get a lawyer friend to help you review it.
- Entertainment lawyers: Begin offering basic, affordable contract templates for actors and crew members. Let’s make legal protection easy to access.
- Producers: Build trust. Stop treating your cast and crew like afterthoughts. Provide first aid on set. Plan for safety. Draft contracts.
Final Thoughts
We need contracts. We need structure. We need humanity. Actors are not robots. They bleed. They break. They cry. One scene can change someone’s life forever good or bad. Let’s stop waiting until someone dies before we change the rules.
To all actors reading this: your health, your rights, and your dreams matter. Don’t trade your safety for screen time. It’s not worth it.
To all producers: do better. That’s it. Do better.
