Nigeria's Cinema Growth: Nollywood and Major Players

The Nigerian cinema landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation, driven by a resurgence in Nollywood films and the expansion of multiplex chains across the country. According to industry data, the Nigerian box office revenue doubled from N7.36 billion in 2023 to a projected N15.64 billion in 2025, with expectations to reach N20 billion by the end of 2026.

Nollywood products command nearly half of the box office revenue, accounting for 49.4% of the total take in 2025, indicating a growing commercial appeal for local storytelling. The largest cinema circuit in Nigeria includes the international-style chains Silverbird and Filmhouse, which are increasingly supporting Nollywood titles to attract local audiences.

Additionally, Olusegun Obasanjo's OOPL cinema, which operates three sites, is projected to generate N312.5 million in revenue, accounting for 2% of the gross box office by 2025. Obasanjo, a significant figure in Nigeria's political history, founded the OOPL library and cinema concept, which was first conceived in 1988.