“Reason Nigeria movie industry is stagnant” —Actress Mary Njoku Speaks Out

Nollywood actress Mary Njoku has voiced concern over the current state of Nigeria’s industries, criticizing the culture of internal rivalry that stifles growth.
In a post shared on Instagram, she expressed disappointment that sectors with the potential to compete on a global scale are instead caught up in local battles—focused more on “Nigeria vs Nigeria” than positioning themselves as “Nigeria vs the world.”
According to her, the problem isn’t a lack of opportunity but a limiting mindset. She noted that, despite still being in a growth phase, many players within these industries prioritize competition over collaboration, often tearing each other down in a bid to dominate a relatively small space.
Njoku questioned why stakeholders are more concerned with becoming “local champions” rather than working collectively to expand the industry’s global reach.
She emphasized that meaningful growth requires a shift in thinking—one that prioritizes excellence, encourages collaboration, and focuses on building something larger than individual success.
In her words, the real barrier isn’t opportunity, but perspective. While there is ample room for expansion, some choose to narrow the space to secure personal wins, rather than contribute to shared progress.