The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has announced that it approved and classified a total of 1,185 films between January and December 2025, highlighting sustained activity and steady growth within Nigeria’s film industry.
The figures, released in the Board’s annual classification report, show a slight increase from the 1,088 films classified in 2024, reflecting consistent engagement by filmmakers and distributors despite economic pressures affecting the creative sector.
English-Language Films Dominate
According to the report, English-language films accounted for the highest number of approvals throughout 2025, reaffirming their dominance in Nigeria’s film production landscape. Films produced in Yoruba and Igbo followed, while Hausa and other indigenous Nigerian language films appeared less frequently.
However, the NFVCB noted a broader representation of indigenous languages during the year. In particular, September 2025 recorded notable entries in languages such as Nupe, Berom, and Gbagyi, underscoring Nigeria’s cultural and linguistic diversity and pointing to emerging interest in minority-language storytelling.
In addition to local productions, the Board also classified a number of foreign-language films, including titles in Hindi, French, and Japanese, reflecting Nigeria’s continued role as a regional hub for film distribution and exhibition.
Strong Tilt Toward Mature Audiences
Analysis of audience classifications revealed a strong concentration of 15 and 18 ratings across all months in 2025, indicating that most of the films approved during the year were targeted at mature audiences.
By contrast, family-friendly classifications such as G, PG, and 12A were significantly fewer, suggesting limited production of children’s and general-audience content. The trend highlights a persistent gap in films designed for younger viewers and family consumption within the Nigerian market.
Monthly Trends and Peak Activity
A breakdown of the data shows that May 2025 recorded the highest number of film approvals, with 173 titles classified, making it the busiest month of the year for film submissions.
Overall, the annual trends point to:
Continued dominance of English-language films in monthly approvals;
A clear majority of films receiving mature ratings (15 and 18);
Gradual, though still limited, inclusion of indigenous Nigerian languages beyond the major ones.
NFVCB Pushes for Diversity and Inclusivity
Commenting on the report, the NFVCB reiterated its commitment to encouraging greater diversity in film production, with particular emphasis on increased investment in family-friendly content and wider use of Nigeria’s indigenous languages.
In line with this goal, the Board disclosed that it has reduced classification fees for indigenous language films produced outside the three major languages — Igbo, Yoruba, and Hausa — as part of efforts to lower barriers and stimulate production in minority languages.
The initiative aligns with the Executive Director’s ongoing advocacy for stronger cultural representation and inclusivity within Nigeria’s film industry.
Sustained Momentum for Nigeria’s Film Sector
The Board noted that the 2025 classification figures demonstrate sustained momentum in Nigeria’s film sector, reinforcing the industry’s resilience and creative output.
The NFVCB reaffirmed its role in balancing responsible content classification with support for industry growth, stating that it remains committed to protecting audiences while fostering a vibrant, diverse, and globally competitive Nigerian film industry.
