It is Only in Nigeria You Will See Movie Hawkers – Femi Gbajabiamila
The precarious situation that, the Nigerian movie producers found themselves has been noted by the speaker, house of representative, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Lanre Lasisi, Gbajabiamila observed that the Nigerian film industry has come a long way and that all well-meaning Nigerians, especially governments at all levels, should support it for the betterment of the country.
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Describing the Nigerian film industry, popularly known as Nollywood, as a very critical industry, Gbajabiamila said he has been fascinated and impressed by the output of the industry over the years.
Gbajabiamila said one of the challenges bedeviling the Nigerian film industry is piracy, saying “In working with you, we have to make legislation that will make you work better.
In Gbjabiamila’s words: “It’s only in Nigeria that you see people hawk movies on the streets.”
“The country is losing revenue as a result of that. I don’t think you guys have tapped enough into the potential of the tourism industry.” “There’s no country in the world that has the kind of diversity that we have. As much as you’ve been doing well, there’s enough room to do better.”
Earlier, the president of the guild, Fred Amata, said they were in the Speaker’s office to solicit his support and presence during their forthcoming 20th Anniversary, which would involve a novelty match with the Speaker’s team.
“His Excellency has been very receptive to us. Whenever we called on him, he obliged. When we opened our secretariat in Surulere, he cut the tape.
“There are numerous challenges in the movie industry. It’s in need of structure. We know you’re aware of this.
We’re here not just because of the celebration but what we can achieve using the celebration.”
In a remark, the Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Rep Babajimi Benson, called on the movie producers to portray Nigeria’s security agencies in good light at this time of security challenges.
“Nigeria is facing security challenges, and we all need to be on board to be able to portray our armed forces in a good light. Your efforts in portraying them in good light will add value to what you’re doing.”
On his part, a veteran actor-turned-politician, Desmond Elliot, said there was a need for partnership between the House and the creative industry. He called on the Speaker to intervene in the area of using government’s facilities to shoot movies, saying countries like the United States allow such without difficulty.
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