Nigerian filmmaker and entrepreneur Pascal Atuma has issued a direct challenge to the federal government, urging officials to shift their economic focus beyond oil and recognize the untapped potential of the country’s burgeoning entertainment industry.
Speaking during a Saturday morning appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise program, Atuma made a compelling case for treating the creative sector with the same priority and investment levels currently reserved for Nigeria’s oil industry.
“I’d say this directly to the government—they think oil is the only source of income. The entertainment industry is huge. The film industry is big,” Atuma declared, emphasizing the need for diversification in Nigeria’s revenue streams.
To illustrate his point, Atuma referenced the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, where participating clubs earned substantial prize money. He noted that quarter-finalist teams alone received $13.1 million, translating to billions when converted to naira.
“If you give a Nigerian club that kind of money—converted to naira—is that a joke? There is money in the creative industry, but the government has to make it easy for us,” he explained, highlighting the financial opportunities being overlooked.
The filmmaker’s call extends beyond film to encompass the entire creative ecosystem, including music, comedy, and football, arguing that these sectors collectively represent a major untapped economic force.
Atuma emphasized that government support must go beyond simple funding to include comprehensive policy reforms. He drew comparisons to international models, particularly referencing the United States’ varied state-level approaches to entertainment industry regulation.
“It’s not just about funding. Policies matter. In the US, some states are union and some are non-union,” he observed, suggesting that Nigeria could benefit from similar structured approaches.
The filmmaker envisions Nigeria becoming a “union state” in film production, which would open doors to co-production treaties—agreements that require government-to-government cooperation and could significantly boost the industry’s international profile and revenue potential.
While calling for government intervention, Atuma also placed responsibility on industry professionals to establish proper internal structures. He stressed that filmmakers must organize themselves through directors’ guilds and producers’ associations before approaching the government for support.
“It starts with us, the filmmakers. The structure is beginning to come together, and once it’s solid, we can then approach the government to do what others are doing,” he stated, citing Canada’s annual grant system for qualified filmmakers as an example of effective government support.
Atuma’s advocacy comes alongside the promotion of his latest film, “Imported Wives,” which premiered in May. The movie, featuring Nollywood stars Nancy Isime, Omoni Oboli, Joseph Benjamin, and Funky Mallam, explores the complex dynamics of international marriages and cultural adaptation.
The film tells the story of a man who brings his wife from Nigeria to Canada, only to face unexpected challenges when she becomes influenced by other Nigerian women in the diaspora. According to Atuma, the project was inspired by real social issues, including a viral UK police memo asking Nigerian women to reduce domestic dispute calls.
“We now have 16-year-old girls who can buy cars and houses for their parents, and it’s normal. Meanwhile, love is being thrown out for financial liberation,” Atuma observed, explaining the film’s broader commentary on changing societal values.
Atuma’s public appeal represents a growing sentiment among Nigerian entertainment professionals who believe the creative sector could serve as a significant economic pillar for the country. His arguments come at a time when Nigeria’s entertainment industry, particularly Nollywood and the music sector, continues to gain international recognition and commercial success.
The filmmaker’s call for government attention reflects broader discussions about economic diversification in Nigeria, particularly as global oil markets face volatility and the country seeks sustainable revenue alternatives.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with economic challenges, Atuma’s message underscores the potential for the entertainment industry to contribute meaningfully to national revenue, provided it receives the policy support and investment framework necessary for sustainable growth.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Nigerian filmmaker Pascal Atuma is demanding that the federal government treat the entertainment industry as seriously as oil, arguing it could become a major revenue source for the country.
He wants government policies and investment—not just funding—to help structure the industry professionally, citing examples like the $13.1 million earned by FIFA quarter-finalists.
Atuma believes Nigeria’s creative sector (film, music, comedy, and football) has untapped economic potential that could help diversify the nation’s oil-dependent economy, but requires both government support and industry self-organization to succeed.
