Cinema operators cry to Buhari over N22.5bn losses

Nigerian cinema exhibitors, distributors and employees have sent a Save-Our-Soul (SOS) to President Muhammadu Buhari, demanding the speedily reopening of the theatrical sector of the economy, including the film industry, to prevent “their imminent collapse.”

The association said the sector had lost over US$50million (about N22.5billion) and more than 5,000 industry jobs since the Federal Government imposed the lockdown in March, as part of its efforts to curtail the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

The operators under the aegis of Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN)  made the appeal at a meeting held at the Lagos State Safety Commission (LSSC) Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

The association also revealed to journalists their post-COVID-19 plans and how they intend to conduct their businesses in line with established health protocols once the sector is re-opened.

Addressing the press ,CEAN chairman, Mr. Patrick Lee, lamented the financial losses suffered by the Nigerian film industry due to the continued suspension of cinema operations and the theatre as a result of the lockdown.

He said unless something drastic was done, the Nigerian film industry, which went into a free fall consequent upon the lockdown imposed on the country on March 30, faced possible extinction.

– Sun News