Nollywood actress Hadiza Abubakar has opened up about the persistent issue of “sex for roles” in the Nigerian film industry, firmly distancing herself from the controversial practice and reaffirming her commitment to professional integrity.
In a candid interview with Oyinmomo TV, Hadiza stated that she has never had to compromise her values to land acting roles and would not tolerate any attempt to pressure her into doing so.
During the interview, Hadiza shared a deeply personal story reflecting the emotional and financial challenges she once faced.
Recalling an incident in which she was humiliated after asking for a lift to a movie set, the actress revealed that her mother responded with love and support by using her own savings to buy Hadiza a car.
“My mum was given money to keep; she used it in buying me a car because of the embarrassment I faced when someone told me I would have to buy fuel for a car before she could give me a ride,” she said.
She described how that first car, an SUV, later became a helpful asset not just to her but to her colleagues as well.
“I used it in carrying some of my colleagues at movie locations. Because it’s not a big deal, we met these material things here on earth,” she added, downplaying materialism and emphasizing a sense of humility.
Addressing the casting couch culture head-on, Hadiza delivered a strong message to those who exploit their positions of power in the industry.
“No director, actor, producer, or marketer can step out and say, ‘Hadiza Abubakar, I have slept with her to give her a movie role,’” she said.
She criticized marketers and gatekeepers who, instead of promoting talent, seek personal gratification at the expense of young women’s careers.
As she continues to gain recognition in Nollywood, Hadiza made it clear that her success is a result of hard work and not favoritism or compromise.
“Now that I am gradually doing well, is it now that a marketer will tell me they need to sleep with me to be featured in their movie?” she asked, underscoring her unwavering resolve to succeed on merit alone.
