The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has disclosed that it approved and classified 1,185 films between January and December 2025, reflecting sustained growth and heightened activity in Nigeria’s film industry.
The figure represents an increase from the 1,088 films approved in 2024, indicating a steady rise in film production and distribution across the country. The disclosure was made on Wednesday by the Director of Corporate Affairs of the board, Mr Ogbonna Onwumere, in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
According to Onwumere, the increase in film approvals underscores the vibrancy of Nigeria’s creative sector and the continued expansion of Nollywood, which remains one of the largest film industries in the world by volume. He noted that the classified films spanned a wide range of genres and languages, reflecting both the diversity of local productions and the steady inflow of foreign-language titles submitted for classification.
Onwumere revealed that English-language films dominated approvals in 2025, accounting for the highest number of classified titles. Yoruba and Igbo-language films followed closely, maintaining their strong presence within the industry. Hausa-language films and other indigenous Nigerian languages appeared less frequently overall.
However, he highlighted a notable improvement in linguistic diversity, particularly in September 2025, when films produced in indigenous languages such as Nupe, Berom, and Gbagyi were more prominently represented. This, he said, aligns with the board’s broader objective of promoting cultural inclusion and encouraging storytelling across Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups.
By audience classification, the NFVCB data showed that films rated 15 and 18 accounted for the bulk of approvals throughout the year. This trend suggests that most films produced and submitted in 2025 were targeted at mature audiences.
By contrast, family-friendly classifications such as General (G), Parental Guidance (PG), and 12A were significantly fewer, pointing to limited production of children’s content and films suitable for general audiences. Onwumere described this as an area requiring deliberate investment and creative focus from filmmakers and producers.
A monthly analysis of approvals showed that May 2025 recorded the highest number of classifications, with 173 films approved, marking a peak period for film submissions.
Reaffirming the board’s mandate, Onwumere said the NFVCB remains committed to promoting diversity in film production, expanding representation of indigenous languages, and encouraging greater investment in family-oriented content. He added that, as part of this effort, the board has reduced classification fees for films produced in indigenous languages other than Igbo, Yoruba, and Hausa to stimulate increased submissions.
The development further highlights Nollywood’s continued evolution and its growing role in shaping Nigeria’s cultural and creative economy.
