How Poor Safety Protocols are Claiming Lives in Nollywood

Despite its growing global acclaim, Nollywood continues to grapple with a troubling pattern of on-set safety lapses—gaps that have, in recent years, proven fatal. From high-profile stunts gone wrong to chaotic responses in life-threatening emergencies, the industry’s inconsistent safety standards are increasingly under scrutiny.

Among the most disturbing examples: actor Zubby Michael’s on-set kick that left fellow actor Godwin Nnadiekwe hospitalized; the death of actor Junior Pope, where eyewitnesses allege that herbalists were called in before medical professionals; and, most recently, the tragic drowning of art director Ola Lawal while filming on location. These incidents are not isolated—they form part of a systemic failure to enforce basic safety measures across Nigeria’s film sets.

In response to Lawal’s death, the Nigeria Film Crew Community (NFCC) issued an official statement denouncing the tragedy as a direct result of safety negligence. The organization called for greater accountability and awareness to prevent future occurrences.

These preventable tragedies emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive safety protocols and trained first responders on every production. Beyond physical safety, emotional well-being also requires attention and proper support systems.

To gain deeper insight into current safety practices, The Nollywood Reporter interviewed location sound mixer Uchenna Mary Okoli-Agu, whose credits include “Baby Farm,” “MTV Shuga 5,” “Oloture 2,” “Mojisola,” “Castle & Castle 2,” and “A Sunday Affair.” Okoli-Agu clarified that while safety measures do exist in Nollywood, their implementation varies significantly between producers.

She shared her own near-fatal experience due to inadequate safety protocols and stressed that cast and crew must prioritize their personal safety. Okoli-Agu particularly emphasized the critical importance of life jackets when filming in waterfront or riverine locations, urging individuals to advocate for their own protection when producers fall short.

Can you tell us about yourself and your job in the industry?

My name is Uchenna Mary Okoli-Agu, but my friends and colleagues call me “Uche is a girl.” I am based in Kaduna, Zaria, and I work as a location sound mixer in the industry. I also work as an assistant sound mixer. These are the main roles I take on during production.

Although you weren’t present, what was your initial reaction when you saw the Zubby Michael “flying kick” clip making rounds online?

When I saw that video, I was shocked. In fact, I thought it was a real fight that happened on set because it didn’t look like they were filming. It felt like there was a disagreement and Zubby Michael decided to give Godwin Nnadiekwe that flying kick. It was only later, when I saw a post on Instagram from Godwin where he talked about being hospitalized, that I was truly surprised to learn that it wasn’t a real fight but a scene in a film they were shooting. So yes, I was shocked just like every other person because, with the few years I have spent in the industry, I know how those types of scenes are shot—and what I saw was very different from what usually happens on set.

Do you think Nollywood takes on-set safety seriously, or is it often seen as a secondary concern?

To be very honest, I will say that although we have some producers who take safety precautions very seriously in this industry, there are still others who think safety precautions shouldn’t even be on the table or something worth discussing. However, I have had the opportunity to work with several producers who take safety seriously.

In fact, for them, it is a top priority. For example, when filming near water, some producers and directors insist that any crew member required to be on set must wear a life jacket—otherwise, they’re not allowed near the premises. I’ve also seen the opposite, where safety is neglected entirely. I’ve experienced both, and honestly, some producers don’t even believe safety is something that should be considered, which I find really crazy.

Have you ever witnessed or experienced a safety concern on set? How was it handled?

Like I said, it varies from producer to producer. Of course, I’ve experienced situations where safety was ignored. They didn’t care; they just focused on shooting the film and ensuring they completed all scenes in a day—forgetting we were filming on a highway and our equipment was blocking traffic. In such cases, I take my safety into my own hands. If we’re on a busy road and the production hasn’t assigned PAs to control traffic, I stay as far away as possible. I don’t mind being seen by the camera because if they can’t take safety seriously, I won’t lay down my life for them like so many others have done in the past. It’s just not worth it.

Is there usually someone on set officially responsible for enforcing safety—like a safety officer, medic, or stunt coordinator?

Of course. On professional film sets I’ve worked on, we’ve had medics, stunt doubles, and coordinators. For instance, while filming “Oloture: The Journey,” there was always a medic. On every EbonyLife set I worked on—they prioritize safety. We also had a stunt coordinator and his team handling all stunt work. Before any serious stunt was carried out—like using explosives—they would always inform us ahead of time: what would happen, how, and what to expect afterward so we could prepare. It does happen in the industry, but not uniformly.

How are first aid and emergency responses handled during productions? Is there a protocol in place?

Yes, there are. In fact, around 2022 or 2023, the medic on set told me he was not only a nurse but also worked with the Red Cross. So, he was well-trained in emergencies like dislocations and drowning. Every other medic I’ve seen on set has had relevant experience too. Like I said earlier, it varies from producer to producer—some care, some don’t. But I’ve been on sets where having emergency responders and medics was essential, even when the crew was minimal.

In the event of an accident or injury, what typically happens?

It’s tricky, but yes, accidents do happen. Fortunately, when there are medics around, they respond quickly. They’re well-equipped. I want to give a special shoutout to Nurse Stella Bright—she’s fantastic and someone I trust completely. When she’s on set, I feel safe. Whether it’s allergies or an upset stomach, she pays attention to everyone, not just me. She’s excellent at her job.

In your experience, how does the size or budget of a production affect safety practices on set?

It does matter—money stops nonsense and can buy almost anything. When there’s a big budget, you can have more hands on deck—stunt coordinators, doubles, multiple medics. However, I’ve also seen big-budget productions neglect safety entirely. So, I don’t necessarily trust big budgets alone.

What matters is having a producer who knows what they’re doing. If you can pay ₦100,000 per day for a camera, you can afford at least one medic or a stunt coordinator. Even on melodramas that don’t require stunts, you still need a medic—people can fall sick or collapse unexpectedly.

What are some practical measures you believe could immediately improve set safety in Nollywood to ensure that tragic workplace accidents are avoided?

Let’s start with the basics: having a medic on set. First aid and emergency response are non-negotiable. When filming in riverine areas, lakes, swimming pools, or seas—anywhere with water over one foot deep—everyone involved should wear a life jacket. It might seem basic, but it can save lives.

If you’re filming in water, have professional divers on set. If the budget can’t accommodate jackets for a crew of 50 or 100, at least provide them for key crew—camera operators, sound engineers, actors. If you can’t buy, rent. It’s because of the lack of life jackets that we lost Junior Pope and others. It’s the same reason Lawal is no longer with us. If he had worn one, he wouldn’t have sunk into a 30-meter-deep river. That’s how important this is.

If you’re filming by a roadside, assign people—like PAs—to control traffic. I’ve been on a set where crew were controlling traffic while filming, which makes no sense. Place reflective triangle cones on the road, give PAs reflective vests, and ensure that someone is handling traffic safety properly.

In cases involving firearms, ensure weapons are fully emptied. I’ve been on a set where a gun rented from the police had an extra bullet left “for safety.” An extra on set kept cocking it out of excitement. Thankfully, it wasn’t pointed at me when it discharged, but I can’t forget that day—it gave me PTSD. Always have professionals handle firearms.

In action films with heavy stunt work, hire professionals. If Zubby Michael had a stunt coordinator during that scene, that accident could’ve been prevented. Professionals know how to simulate kicks without harming anyone.

What does “safety” mean to you personally, especially when working in a high-pressure or fast-paced environment?

Safety means taking precautions to avoid accidents—for the cast, crew, and equipment. It’s the protocols and practices that create a secure working environment. It includes training people for the scenes ahead, having emergency response plans, and implementing health protocols for illnesses like COVID-19. Face masks and other preventive measures are all part of it.

Regarding Zubby Michael’s kick and the tragic death of Ola Lawal, what changes would you personally like to see implemented industry-wide to protect film crews and actors better?

Like I said, if safety precautions—like life jackets—had been taken seriously, Lawal’s death could have been prevented. He slipped and fell into the river without a life jacket. Even if he couldn’t swim, professional divers could have rescued him. But there were no life jackets or divers on set, and now we’re mourning him.

In Michael’s case, if a stunt coordinator had been present, that accident could have been avoided. The changes I’d like to see include mandatory life jackets for crew members, medics on set at all times, and industry-wide enforcement of safety protocols. If we stop overlooking these things, we’ll have fewer accidents.