Abuja: Abubakar Yakubu, the national president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), has called for a legislative framework to institutionalize the guild and establish it as a statutory professional body for Nigerian actors. This announcement was made during his speech at the guild’s Abuja Stars and Veterans Interactive Session held at the AGN National Headquarters.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Yakubu emphasized the necessity for legislative backing to develop standard contractual frameworks, shield actors from exploitation, and legally enforce a structured regulatory environment within Nollywood. He stated that formal legislation passed by the National Assembly would ensure actors have access to standard contracts, intellectual property protections, royalties, and residual payments for their distributed works.
Yakubu further noted that legislative support would empower the guild to introduce mandatory licensing for practitioners, prevent unqualified individuals from entering the field, and ensure all working actors adhere to professional codes of conduct. ‘This is not merely an administrative exercise, it is the future of every Nigerian actor,’ he said, underscoring the importance of a legislative framework to empower the profession and establish enforceable professional standards.
The AGN leader highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing actors’ welfare and professional development under his leadership. He urged members to support the national leadership’s efforts to reposition the guild. He called for unity, stating, ‘The Actors Guild of Nigeria belongs to all of us. It is bigger than any individual, any administration, or any generation.’
Yakubu also mentioned an ongoing revalidation exercise for members, encouraging them to obtain the official AGN identity card. He explained that the card signifies professional identity, strengthens the guild’s database, and enhances member recognition as registered professionals.
In addition, Dr. Emeka Rollas, the immediate past president of the guild, echoed the need for a legislative framework, stating it would ensure improved welfare and social protection mechanisms for Nollywood actors. He emphasized that it would prevent exploitation and facilitate structured capacity-building programs to enhance Nigerian actors’ competitiveness on the global stage.
Salma Aminu, the FCT Mayor of AGN, expressed a renewed commitment to the welfare of actors in the territory in an interview with NAN. She encouraged actors to enroll in the guild’s health insurance program to access prompt and affordable medical care, noting the demanding nature of their profession.