In Nigeria, jobs are in short supply when compared to the population of applicants seeking employment. Money also seems to be in short supply when you consider the drastic inflation the country has witnessed in the last 5-6 years. Or do we have to mention fuel scarcity? Electricity? Nigerians know a whole lot about finitude, but if there’s one thing the country has never been short of, it’s comedy.

The Nigerian comedy industry has, instead, experienced a significant rise in recent years, with the emergence of several talented comedians who have gained popularity and success in the entertainment world. This growth can be attributed to several factors, perhaps the first of these being the desperate need to find laughter in the often bleak and frustrating situations citizens have found themselves in. Laughing has also proven to be quite therapeutic in relieving stress, both of a mental and physical nature. Other factors include the changing dynamics of Nigerian entertainment, the use of social media, and the rise of comedy shows and events.

Nigerian comedy has evolved from the traditional stand-up comedy to a more diversified industry that includes online skits, movies, and TV shows. This has created more opportunities for comedians to showcase their talents and has attracted more fans to the industry. A report released by Dataleum in March 2022 ranked skit-making as the third largest entertainment industry in Nigeria.

The use of social media has also played a significant role in this witnessed growth. Comedians in Nigeria have taken advantage of social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to reach a wider audience.

They create short videos and skits that are funny and relatable to their fans, and these videos have gone viral, attracting more followers and fans. This trend has brought comedy from the live comedy shows and events to the homes of millions through their smartphones and other similar gadgets.

It has also proven a much faster and effective way for comedians and skit makers with quality, appealing content to break out to fame and go on to host or feature in live shows and other entertainment events both locally and internationally. In an interview with The Punch, popular Nigerian entertainer, Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Ejekwu, known as “Sabinus” had this to say:

“I advise up-and-coming entertainers to make good use of social media. Social media has been able to kill “godfatherism” in the business. Right now, not everyone has to climb the stage to make everyone laugh. In the comfort of one’s home, one can make one’s audience laugh and make money from it. I encourage them to hone their creativity as they can be great on their own. Also, they should be humble and not allow fame to distract them.”

Furthermore, the Nigerian comedy industry has created job opportunities for many young Nigerians, from writers and producers to actors and technical crew. This has helped to boost the economy and create a positive impact on the country. A study from the Africa Polling Institute (API) on the comedy industry showed that 90% of Nigerians polled identified comedy skits as a means of employment.

Their findings also showed that 67% of Nigerians said they watch comedy skits, with 45% saying they watch them once in a while and 29% a few times a week. The comedy business is also estimated to make over N50 billion annually in the country.

Online skit-makers and other comedians, such as Lasisi Elenu, Brother Shaggi, Bovi, and many others, have also featured in the movie industry, creating a blend in the Nigerian world of entertainment and diversifying their sources of income within the industry.

Other opportunities that have been opening up in the business include brand endorsement contracts and the organization of independent comedy shows by comedians both at home and abroad.

Atunyota Alleluya Akporobomerere, otherwise known by his stage name, ‘Ali Baba,’ who is the highest paid comedian in Nigeria, told BusinessDay in an interview that he was paid N50 for his first show in 1988 at the pavilion of the then Bendel State University, Ekpoma, but is today believed to be charging over N5 million per event.

Emmanuella, who started her foray into comedy at the age of 5 is now one of the richest child prodigies in Nigeria with a net worth of $150,000 (57 million NGN). Her wealth has come chiefly from viral skits on Mark Angel’s comedy channel on YouTube.

According to Ali Baba, comedy is a funny business that has become very big, a money spinner today that is contributing substantially to the economy, besides, providing employment to our youth.

“Comedy has come to stay. We have gradually come from being the last on the list in the entertainment industry, to being the first. Sometimes when events are being planned, we come first on the list.

“Today, we have become either the third most recognised art in the entertainment industry, after actors and musicians.”