Nigeria’s box office revenue has soared to N3.48 billion in the first quarter of 2025, marking a significant leap in the country’s cinema landscape.
The revenue, recorded between January 1 and March 31, represents a 54.7% increase compared to the N2.25 billion generated during the same period in 2024.
Even more striking, the Q1 2025 earnings reflect a 132% surge when compared to Q1 2023’s N1.5 billion, underscoring a remarkable year-on-year growth in the Nigerian film industry.
This upward momentum is not new.
The N2.25 billion recorded in Q1 2024 itself marked a 46% rise over the 2023 figure, signaling two consecutive years of strong performance.
Industry analysts attribute this consistent growth to a powerful combination of compelling local content and rising cinema attendance across the country.
Audience numbers continue to mirror this upward trend.
According to data released by the Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN) and shared with Nairametrics, total cinema admissions reached 661,801 in Q1 2025, a 10.9% jump from the 596,609 recorded in Q1 2024.
Compared to Q1 2023, which had 620,477 admissions, the 2025 figure shows a 6.7% increase, further emphasizing the industry’s post-pandemic recovery and the growing appetite for cinematic experiences among Nigerian viewers.
Driving this success is a balanced slate of local blockbusters and international favorites.
Disney’s much-anticipated prequel “Mufasa: The Lion King” led the quarter with a box office haul of N618.2 million, claiming the title of the highest-grossing film for the period.
Close behind was “Alakada: Bad and Boujee”, the latest in the beloved Alakada franchise, which earned N500.5 million, highlighting the continued strength of homegrown comedies with mass appeal.
“Moana 2” also proved popular among Nigerian audiences, pulling in N400 million, while Marvel’s “Captain America: Brave New World” brought in N396 million, confirming the enduring pull of global superhero franchises.
Other strong performers included “Reel Love”, a romantic drama that earned N332.8 million, and “Everybody Loves Jenifa”, a holiday season holdover from December 2024, which maintained momentum into Q1 2025—extending Funke Akindele’s box office reign.
The quarter also saw rising stars entering the scene.
Timini Egbuson’s emergence as a box office force and Toyin Abraham’s continued dominance signaled a broadening of Nollywood’s commercial appeal.
With more than 100 cinemas operating across Nigeria, the country’s infrastructure continues to support this growth, positioning it as the heartbeat of West Africa’s film economy.
As Q2 unfolds, early indicators suggest the momentum isn’t slowing down.
“Sinner” is already gaining traction and could cross the N500 million mark based on strong early turnout.
Likewise, Iyabo Ojo’s faith-themed “Labake Olododo” is drawing crowds and could help push April’s numbers to new heights.
All signs point to 2025 becoming a landmark year for Nigeria’s box office.
