The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has reported a significant achievement in Nigeria’s film sector, approving 1,185 films in 2025, a notable increase from the 1,088 films classified in the previous year, reflecting the dynamic growth and engagement in the country’s film industry.
Ogbonna Onwumere, the Director of Corporate Affairs at NFVCB, shared this information in a recent announcement. In his statement, he emphasised the diversity of genres and languages among the approved films, underscoring the vibrancy of local film production and the ongoing influx of foreign-language films seeking classification in Nigeria.
Mr Onwumere noted that English-language films accounted for the most approvals, followed by Yoruba- and Igbo-language films. In contrast, Hausa and other indigenous Nigerian languages were less frequently represented. However, there was a notable increase in films from languages such as Nupe, Berom, and Gbagyi, especially in September 2025, showcasing Nigeria’s cultural richness.
The data on audience ratings revealed that a considerable portion of the films approved in 2025 was aimed at mature viewers, with a substantial prevalence of classifications of 15 and 18. In contrast, family-friendly ratings such as G, PG, and 12A were in the minority, indicating fewer productions targeted at children and general audiences.
May 2025 was the peak month for film approvals, with an impressive total of 173 titles classified. Mr Onwumere reiterated the NFVCB’s commitment to promoting greater diversity in the film sector. He stressed the importance of increasing investment in family-oriented content and the use of Nigeria’s indigenous languages.
To support the development of indigenous-language films, the NFVCB has reduced classification fees for movies produced in languages other than the major ones, such as Igbo, Yoruba, and Hausa, aligning with the executive director’s focus on enhancing cultural representation and inclusivity in the industry.
