The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has revealed a robust performance in 2025, classifying a significant 1,185 films. This figure indicates a thriving Nigerian film industry, showcasing sustained growth and considerable activity throughout the year. The annual classification report details films across a wide spectrum of genres and languages, underscoring the dynamism of local production and the continuous submission of international cinematic works. For comparative context, the Board classified 1,088 films in 2024, demonstrating a consistent high level of engagement within the sector. This sustained activity is a positive sign for the creative economy.
English-language films once again led the approvals, reinforcing their prominent position within Nigeria’s film landscape. Following closely were films in Yoruba and Igbo, with Hausa and other indigenous languages appearing less frequently in the classifications. This linguistic distribution highlights the current market preferences and production trends.
What is the linguistic diversity of films classified by NFVCB in 2025? The report noted an encouraging increase in the representation of languages such as Nupe, Berom, and Gbagyi, particularly observed in September 2025, which serves as a celebration of Nigeria’s rich cultural tapestry.
Foreign films spanning languages like Hindi, French, and Japanese were also part of the classification process, indicating a global reach for Nigerian audiences and the industry’s engagement with international content. This diverse intake enriches the viewing options available.
An analysis of audience ratings revealed a pronounced emphasis on mature classifications, specifically categories 15 and 18, across all months. Conversely, there were fewer family-friendly options like G, PG, and 12A. This trend suggests a potential gap in the production of content specifically aimed at children and general audiences during 2025.
May 2025 emerged as the busiest month for film classification, recording a peak of 173 approved films. This surge in activity points to concentrated production or submission periods within the industry.
Key yearly trends observed include the consistent dominance of English-language films in monthly approvals. This pattern has been a stable characteristic of the Nigerian film market for some time.
Another significant trend is the overarching majority of films falling under mature ratings, namely 15 and 18. This indicates a market that largely caters to adult audiences.
There was a growing, albeit still limited, inclusion of indigenous Nigerian languages beyond the primary ones like Igbo, Yoruba, and Hausa. This represents a positive step towards greater linguistic representation.
The NFVCB has reiterated its dedication to nurturing diversity, with a particular focus on promoting family-friendly content and increasing the presence of indigenous languages in film. This commitment aligns with the Executive Director’s ongoing advocacy for cultural representation and inclusivity.
To further stimulate the production of indigenous films outside of the major languages, the Board implemented a reduction in classification fees. This strategic move aims to lower barriers for filmmakers working in less represented Nigerian languages.
These 2025 figures collectively underscore the significant momentum within Nigeria’s film sector. They also highlight the NFVCB’s vital role in ensuring responsible classification practices while actively contributing to the overall growth and development of the industry.
