AGN Lagos Seeks Media Partnership, Vows Stronger Protection for Actors

Actors Guild of Nigeria, Lagos Chapter, says it is expanding partnerships and tightening standards to protect actors from unpaid jobs, poor welfare and other production lapses across Nollywood sets.

The chapter’s acting chairman, Mary Edward, led a delegation to The Punch Newspaper in Lagos on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, in what the guild described as a strategic engagement on collaboration, visibility and capacity building. Guild leaders said the meeting was part of a broader effort to rebuild institutional strength under the current executive team.

Edward said the media remains central to how the film industry is understood and trusted by the public. She said closer ties between AGN Lagos and major news platforms can support better storytelling around practitioners and reinforce professional conduct in the sector.

“As a professional body representing actors, we recognise the critical role the media plays in shaping public perception, promoting creative works, and preserving the integrity of the industry. We believe a strong relationship between AGN, Lagos Chapter, and The Punch will help amplify the voices of practitioners and promote professionalism within Nollywood. We are here today to seek collaboration, partnership, and mutually beneficial working relationships that will positively impact both our guild and the media space,” Edward said.

Director of Guild Services Emmanuel Onyika said the new executives want to restore higher operational standards in Lagos, which he described as the country’s entertainment hub. He said the chapter is also engaging corporate organisations, security agencies and government institutions to improve support systems for actors.

“Since the onboarding of the new executives, we deem it fit to bring back the good old days of the chapter,” Onyika said.

During a question-and-answer session, guild members discussed key benefits tied to formal membership, including access to film opportunities, health policies, pension schemes and financial support channels. They also raised recurring problems on set, including unpaid overtime, poor accommodation and inadequate feeding.

“The guild protects its members,” Onyika said. “If an actor is not being paid, or proper accommodation is not provided, it is our duty to intervene. Productions that fail to meet these standards will not see the light of day. However, many actors shy away from joining the guild due to ignorance. They think they can manage on their own, but when issues arise, they turn to the guild for help — and sometimes it’s too late.”

Other executives at the visit included Public Relations Officer Cornell Udofia and Financial Secretary Tunde Shado.