Nigerian cinema exhibitors, distributors and employees on the platform of Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN) have appealed to the Federal Government to speedily open the theatre industry to prevent “imminent collapse”.

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

CEAN made the appeal at a news conference after a meeting held during the week in Lagos.

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

CEAN chairman Mr. Patrick Lee, while addressing reporters, lamented the enormous financial loss suffered by the Nigerian film industry due to the continued suspension of cinema operations and the theatre industry as a result of the lockdown.

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The organisation noted that the Nigerian film industry, reputed to be the second biggest film industry in the world (based on the number of films released), was before the pandemic, producing an average of 50 films weekly, which account for over ?200 billion in yearly film industry revenue.

Although CEAN acknowledged government’s effort to re-open the economy, with emphasis on prioritising the safety of Nigerians, it observed that it was also “expedient to consider the huge economic disaster brought upon the industry by the continued suspension of cinema operations and other film-based businesses”.

The association, therefore, urged the “Federal Government to include cinema and allied services in all possible financial interventions.”NAN