Abia’s Nollywood Dream: How the State is Positioning itself as the Next Big Thing in Nigerian Cinema
We can all see the flurry of activities: programs, projects and engagements by the state government to reposition our dear state. It’s a testament to Dr Alex Chioma Otti OFRs master strategy
Dear Abians, our governor is mounting another ferocious campaign quietly to position Abia State as a destination of choice for Nigeria’s cinema industry. Can we support him?
Nigeria’s film industry, popularly known as Nollywood, has experienced tremendous growth over the years, emerging as one of the largest film industries in the world. According to a report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nollywood contributed approximately ₦239 billion (around $620 million USD) to Nigeria’s GDP in 2020. This significant contribution underscores the industry’s potential for driving economic growth and development. With its rich cultural heritage and talented workforce, Abia State is poised to tap into this potential and become a major hub for Nollywood.
The Nigerian film industry has grown exponentially, producing over 2,500 films annually, with an estimated global audience of over 500 million people. This growth has created numerous opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship, and cultural exchange. In Abia State, the government has recognized the potential of Nollywood to drive economic growth and has initiated several initiatives to support the development of the industry. With a population of over 3 million people and a growing middle class, Abia State presents a significant market for Nollywood films and related products.
As the fourth-largest economy in Africa, Nigeria is increasingly recognizing the importance of the creative industries, including Nollywood, in driving economic growth and development. According to a report by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the creative industries in Nigeria have the potential to create over 2.5 million jobs and generate over ₦1 trillion (around $2.6 billion USD) in revenue annually. With its strategic location, investment-friendly environment, and government support, Abia State is well-positioned to tap into this potential and become a leading hub for Nollywood in Nigeria.
Dr Alex Chioma Otti has an ambitious plan to develop the state’s film industry, with the vision of making Abia a leading hub for Nollywood in Nigeria. He aims to increase the state’s contribution to Nigeria’s GDP from the film industry to ₦500 billion (around $1.3 billion USD) by 2025. This ambitious target is expected to be achieved through rallying private sector investments in film infrastructure, training and capacity development, and marketing and promotion of Abia as a film destination.
A key component of the vision is the provision of first class business environment for the private sector to take rhe lead in the establishment of a film village in Abia State, which is expected to attract investments worth ₦10 billion (around $26 million USD) in the first phase. This private sector led film village will provide state-of-the-art facilities for film production, including studios, editing suites, and equipment rental services. According to the consultants report, the film village is expected to create over 5,000 jobs in the film industry and contribute to the growth of the state’s economy.
His government also plans to establish a film training institute in Abia State, which will provide training and capacity development programs for filmmakers, actors, and technicians. The institute is expected to train over 1,000 students annually, with a focus on developing skills in film production, editing, and marketing. According to a report by the British Film Institute, the global film industry is expected to reach $424 billion by 2025, and Abia State is positioning itself to tap into this growing market.
To achieve its vision, the Abia State government is committed to providing a supportive environment for filmmakers and investors. This includes providing incentives such as tax breaks, subsidies, and investment grants. According to a report by the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, Abia State has the potential to attract over ₦50 billion (around $130 million USD) in investments in the film industry over the next five years. With its vision and commitment, Abia State is poised to become a leading hub for Nollywood in Nigeria.
Despite the vast potential of the film industry in Abia State, there are several challenges that the Dr Otti is addressing. One of the major challenges is the lack of adequate infrastructure, including film studios, editing suites, and equipment rental services. According to a report by the Nigerian Film Corporation, the country has only 25 film studios, with none located in Abia State. This lack of infrastructure has resulted in many filmmakers having to travel to other states or countries to produce their films, resulting in lost revenue and jobs for Abia State. He has concluded plans to make a final decision on selecting one from a list of trusted top notch investors in this regards.
Another challenge facing the film industry in Abia State is the issue of piracy and copyright infringement. According to a report by the International Intellectual Property Alliance, Nigeria loses an estimated ₦200 billion (around $520 million USD) annually to piracy and copyright infringement. This has resulted in many filmmakers being unable to recoup their investments, making it difficult for them to produce more films. To address this challenge, the Abia State government has recently rejigged it’s Nollywood ecosystem to strengthen its laws and enforcement mechanisms to protect the intellectual property rights of filmmakers.
Despite these challenges, there are many opportunities for the film industry in Abia State to grow and develop. One of the opportunities is the growing demand for Nigerian films globally. According to a report by the Nigerian Film Corporation, Nigerian films are in high demand in countries such as South Africa, Ghana, and the United Kingdom. This demand has resulted in many Nigerian filmmakers being able to export their films and earn foreign exchange. With the right support and infrastructure, Otti wants and is poised to have Abia State tap into this demand and become a major exporter of films.
The film industry in Abia State also has the potential to create many jobs and stimulate economic growth. According to a report by the African Development Bank, the creative industries in Nigeria have the potential to create over 2.5 million jobs and generate over ₦1 trillion (around $2.6 billion USD) in revenue annually. With its rich cultural heritage and talented workforce, Abia State is well-positioned to tap into this potential and become a leading hub for the film industry in Nigeria.
In conclusion, Abia State’s vision to become a leading hub for Nollywood in Nigeria is not only ambitious but also achievable. With its rich cultural heritage, talented workforce, and strategic location, Abia State has the potential to attract significant investments in the film industry. According to a report by the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, the film industry in Nigeria has the potential to attract over ₦500 billion (around $1.3 billion USD) in investments annually. By providing the right infrastructure, support, and incentives, Abia State can tap into this potential and become a major player in the Nigerian film industry.
The benefits of developing the film industry in Abia State are numerous. According to a report by the African Development Bank, the creative industries in Nigeria have the potential to create over 2.5 million jobs and generate over ₦1 trillion (around $2.6 billion USD) in revenue annually. By achieving its vision, Abia State can create thousands of jobs, stimulate economic growth, and promote its rich cultural heritage globally. With the right vision, strategy, and support, Abia’s Nollywood dream can become a reality, transforming the state into a thriving hub for film production, innovation, and creativity.
Dr Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke writes from the University of Abuja Nigeria.
