Revenue surpasses N10 billion at Nigerian box office within eight months

Nigeria's film industry, Nollywood, has been making waves this year as the country's box office revenue reached an impressive milestone of over N10 billion by the end of August 2025. This significant growth in revenue and admissions is a clear indication of a strengthening cinema culture in the country.

The momentum started early in the year when the comedy-drama "Alakada: Bad and Boujee" hit N500 million. This success was followed by a string of strong performances from Nollywood titles, which have maintained a dominant force in the local market. For instance, "Ori: The Rebirth" has earned over N419 million, while "Everybody Loves Jenifa" has remained a box office mainstay.

One of the key factors contributing to this growth is the rollout of new multiplexes in secondary cities and improved distribution networks. This expansion has allowed more Nigerians to access these films, leading to increased admissions. In fact, cinema admissions in Nigeria have surged to 1.84 million, a 16% increase from 1.59 million in 2024.

The Hollywood thriller "Sinners" has drawn an extraordinary N775 million in cumulative earnings, but it's clear that Nollywood productions are holding their own. For example, "Iyalode," Toyin Abraham's historical drama, is nearing N300 million, and the comedy "Labake Olododo" broke past N500 million in its opening weekend and ended up blowing past N400 million.

The growth in the sector can also be attributed to Nollywood's embrace of diverse storytelling, improved production values, and aggressive marketing campaigns. As a result, younger viewers and families are making up a larger portion of ticket buyers, indicating a broadening of the industry's audience demographics.

If the current trend continues, total box office revenues could exceed N16 billion by December, marking a historic milestone for the industry. This growth is not limited to revenue alone, as the industry has also reported expanded audience demographics.

Despite the global impact of streaming platforms on viewing habits, Nigerian audiences are returning to cinemas in larger numbers. This renewed momentum in the sector has not only contributed to financial gains but also to the country's broader cultural output. The growth in box office revenue and admissions indicates a promising future for Nollywood and the country's cinema culture.