Nollywood actor and content creator Ijoba Lande has sparked widespread conversation in the Nigerian entertainment industry after revealing that he was paid only ₦90,000 for working on a film set for a month under the direction of renowned actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele.
His disclosure, which has since gone viral on social media, has ignited discussions about the treatment of actors, particularly those still building their careers in Nollywood. According to Lande, the payment was far below his expectations, leaving him both shocked and disappointed.
In recounting his experience, Lande explained that he had been invited by Funke Akindele to be part of a movie project at Amen Estate, where he spent an entire month filming. However, when it was time to receive his payment, he was taken aback by the amount given to him.
“There was a time Funke Akindele called me for a movie production at Amen Estate, and we spent one month there. I was shocked when she gave me ₦90,000 after spending one month,” he lamented.
His statement resonated with many aspiring actors, who often see working with industry giants as a golden opportunity but may not anticipate the financial realities that come with it.
As a skit maker with a growing presence in the Yoruba film scene, Lande shared his experience as both a cautionary tale and a learning opportunity for others hoping to make it in Nollywood. He acknowledged that while working with a top-tier filmmaker like Funke Akindele is a valuable career milestone, actors must also prioritize their financial and professional well-being.
“I have learnt my lessons. I will always state my charges before going to any location. When she called me, I was too excited to discuss payment, only to end up with ₦90k after one month,” he admitted.
His reflection highlighted a crucial issue in the industry—many up-and-coming actors fail to negotiate their fees in advance due to excitement or fear of losing opportunities.
Lande’s revelation has triggered mixed reactions from fans and industry observers. While some people expressed sympathy and outrage over what they perceived as unfair compensation, others argued that the responsibility lay with Lande himself for not negotiating his payment beforehand.
Some social media users pointed out that Nollywood, like many entertainment industries, operates on varying pay scales, with actors earning based on their experience, popularity, and bargaining power. “If you don’t set your rate, people will set it for you,” one commenter noted, while another remarked, “It’s not just about working with big names, know your worth and state it.”
Beyond Lande’s personal experience, his story has reignited broader discussions about underpayment in Nollywood, especially for emerging actors and crew members. Many believe that while the industry continues to expand and generate significant revenue, the earnings of those working behind the scenes often fail to reflect this growth.
Some argue that upcoming actors should be compensated fairly for their time and effort, while others suggest that they see these opportunities as stepping stones to bigger projects.
