Nollywood Reform: Tega Dominic Joins AGN Leadership to Combat Harassment

The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has taken a decisive step toward industry reform with the appointment of Big Brother Naija star and actress Tega Dominic as a Special Adviser. Under the new leadership of National President Abubakar Yakubu, the guild is positioning itself to tackle one of the most persistent shadows over the Nigerian film industry: sexual harassment. The appointment, announced on Thursday, January 29, 2026, marks a significant shift in how the guild intends to protect its members.

Tega Dominic, who became a household name following her 2021 appearance on the “Shine Ya Eye” edition of Big Brother Naija, has been tasked with a high-stakes mandate. Her role as Special Adviser on Sexual Harassment involves developing robust policies, raising awareness, and ensuring accountability within the industry. By bringing a modern perspective to the guild’s executive arm, the AGN aims to build a culture where professional respect is considered non-negotiable across all film sets.

In her formal acceptance, Dominic emphasized a “zero tolerance” approach to misconduct. Her vision for the office includes the establishment of safe and confidential reporting systems designed to protect survivors. The move is widely seen as an attempt by the guild to move beyond mere rhetoric and implement structural changes that allow talent to thrive without fear of exploitation.

The announcement coincided with a historic transition in the guild’s leadership. Abubakar Yakubu, a veteran thespian and former General Secretary, has officially assumed office as National President. Taking over from Dr. Emeka Rollas, whose tenure ended in late 2025, Yakubu has pledged an era of inclusive leadership anchored on five pillars: unity, professionalism, welfare, global relevance, and empowerment. His administration arrives at a time when the guild is seeking to consolidate its influence both locally and internationally.

In a surprising turn of events during the inauguration of the new National Executive Council (NEC) in Abuja, the guild also announced the lifting of Halima Abubakar’s indefinite suspension. The actress had been sidelined since October 2024 following a lengthy investigation into allegations of defamation. While the guild stood by its initial findings, the outgoing president, Emeka Rollas, noted that acting remains Abubakar’s primary livelihood and that it would be “wicked” to leave her in professional limbo as he exited office.

The decision to restore Abubakar’s eligibility comes at a critical time for the actress, who has reportedly been facing significant health challenges. By lifting the ban, the AGN has opened the door for her to return to film projects and participate in guild activities, signaling a move toward reconciliation and empathy within the association. This gesture was extended to several other suspended members from the Enugu State chapter, effectively clearing the guild’s disciplinary slate for the new administration.

As Abubakar Yakubu begins his term, the combination of bringing in fresh voices like Tega Dominic and resolving long-standing disciplinary disputes suggests a renewed focus on internal stability. The Nigerian motion picture industry, popularly known as Nollywood, continues to grow in global importance, and the AGN’s latest maneuvers appear aimed at ensuring the industry’s internal ethics match its external success.

The roadmap for the next few years seems clear: a stronger emphasis on member welfare and a more aggressive stance against workplace toxicity. With the inauguration ceremonies now concluded, the industry will be watching closely to see how these new appointments and policy shifts translate into safer working environments for actors across the country.