The Nollywood industry has experienced remarkable growth over the years, establishing itself as the second-largest film industry globally in terms of output. This expansion has significantly contributed to the Nigerian economy, making Nollywood a vital employer in a country where job opportunities are becoming increasingly scarce.

Despite its success, the industry faces challenges in meeting the growing demands for high-quality productions. One notable concern has been the emergence of unprofessional actors who prioritize nudity and sensationalism over genuine talent and skill.

This trend poses a risk to the integrity of the industry, as the focus shifts from storytelling and artistry to shock value, potentially undermining the rich cultural narratives that Nollywood is known for.

Many have argued that the old Nollywood relied on talent, but as the industry continues to evolve, the focus on talent and professionalism shrinks into oblivion, deterring the sustenance of its reputation and ensuring its future growth.

In October 2023, veteran comic actor, director, and producer Charles Inojie, in the ‘Honest Bunch Podcast’, expressed his concerns about the current state of acting quality in the industry. He explained that most actors, who may not meet traditional audition standards, are being cast in roles primarily due to their nudist disposition.

Inojie stressed the importance of addressing this issue and suggested that the industry should focus on establishing a stronger structure that upholds performance standards and fosters talent development. This, he believes, will lead to a more vibrant artistic environment.

“There is no professional acting again in the industry. People who are not professional will fake their way into the acting space because they can expose their bodies and make money out of it. This set of people appears to be more successful than the actual talented actors,” he lamented.

In January 2025, veteran actress Ngozi Ezeonu reprimanded some young ladies at an audition for their inappropriate outfits. In a video that went viral, she expressed her displeasure after the ladies arrived for an audition without bras.

Ezeonu, who was one of the judges at the audition, was visibly appalled by their nudist appearance and warned against a repetition of such unprofessional disposition in any audition where she serves as a judge.

“How can you come to an audition without a bra and with a crop top? It’s wrong. Who are you trying to impress? That’s why people see us as people who are not serious. I’m a serious-minded actor; you can’t catch me dressed like this, even when I was your age. It’s wrong. You carry breasts, leave breasts without a bra—ahnahn, why? Any day I’m at any audition table and anyone comes to me dressed like this, I will disqualify that person,” she said.

Another veteran actor, Kate Henshaw, who reacted to the viral video, expressed her dissatisfaction with the trend of nudity in auditions and the very negative impression it gives to Nollywood.

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She noted that the industry has produced top-notch personalities and actors like Joke Silva, RMD, Ego Boyo, Aunty Ngozi Ezeonu, Aunty Patience, Aunty Taiwo Ajayi-Lycett, and the late Sam Loco Efe, who achieved great feats without the need to go nude.

She lamented: “An audition is an interview for a role. You don’t dress as if you’re going down the road to buy sugar and groundnuts. I don’t blame them, I blame us for making entries so easy. This is a profession that has Aunty Joke, RMD, Ego Boyo, Aunty Ngozi Ezeonu,

Aunty Patience, Aunty Taiwo Ajayi-Lycett, the late Sam Loco Efe—so many greats. If you don’t want to dress well, stay at home.”

The industry, which has been increasingly vocal in its campaign against the practice of trading sex for roles, is unfortunately plagued by several unprofessional individuals who act as enablers of this unethical behavior.

These individuals perpetuate a culture that undermines the integrity of the industry, making it difficult for genuine efforts to combat exploitation to take root. Despite the growing awareness and the push for reform, the presence of these unprofessional actors poses a significant challenge, hindering progress and accountability within the community.

Kelvin Udochukwu, a seasoned film critic and actor, recently shared his concerns regarding the troubling trend in the film industry, noting its impacts on the mental health of promising young actors.

He stressed that many of these talented individuals feel immense pressure to conform to the anomaly, which may not align with their personal values or artistic visions. As a result, those who refuse to participate in this trend might experience feelings of inadequacy and isolation, leading to significant emotional distress.

Udochukwu further elaborated on the social stigma associated with this issue, noting that these younger actors who have pigeonholed themselves into nudity will be stereotyped and frequently cast in roles that require them to showcase their bodies. This relentless typecasting can have profound implications on their self-esteem and personal identity.

Additionally, he raised a crucial concern regarding the potential for sexual exploitation that arises from a culture that glorifies nudity. He explained that such portrayals not only diminish the complexity of the characters but also contribute to a broader societal issue where individuals are viewed primarily as objects rather than as artists with raw, unique artistic talents.