Veteran Nollywood star Patience Ozokwor has pulled back the curtain on a reality many actors quietly endure, pointing to the absence of royalties as a major reason some industry figures struggle financially despite years on screen.
During a conversation on the show “Curiosity Made Me Ask,” hosted by Isbae U, the actress explained that most performers are paid just once for their roles, even when the films continue to generate income long after release.
She said that this system leaves many actors with no steady earnings from past work, which in turn pushes some to seek public support later in life.
“The problem why you see us beg is because they don’t give us royalties. We just work and toil so hard, and then that peanut, that money you gave us on board to come and shoot for you, is the only thing we get.”She said.
Drawing a contrast with film industries abroad, Ozokwor noted that actors elsewhere benefit from long-term earnings tied to their projects.
“Go and look at the smallest actors in developed countries. Every work they do fetches them money every day of their lives.”
She further pointed out that such financial structures extend beyond an actor’s lifetime, allowing their families to continue benefiting from their work.
“Even when they are gone, their families still live on that. We, we are still working hard.”
According to her, the lack of residual income has now influenced a shift in strategy among Nigerian actors, with many turning to digital platforms for more control over their earnings.
“That’s why everyone is running to YouTube,” Patience Ozokwor disclosed.
