Nollywood filmmaker and actor Daniel Etim Effiong has achieved a major milestone with his directorial feature, The Herd, which has taken the Nigerian box office by storm. The psychological thriller grossed an impressive ₦131.6 million in its opening weekend, officially making it the number one film nationwide and one of the highest-grossing local titles of the year.
According to data from the Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN), The Herd outperformed both local and international contenders over the weekend, drawing huge crowds across major cities such as Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Benin, and Ibadan. The film’s success underscores Nollywood’s growing box office influence amid stiff competition from Hollywood releases.
Produced by Inkblot Productions and co-directed by Effiong in collaboration with Umanu Elijah, The Herd features a stellar ensemble cast including Kate Henshaw, Chidi Mokeme, Bimbo Akintola, Uzor Arukwe, and Daniel Etim Effiong himself. The film’s gripping storyline — centered around greed, power, and morality within a traditional community — has resonated strongly with audiences, sparking online debates and glowing reviews from critics.
Industry watchers say The Herd’s strong debut highlights the maturing taste of Nigerian moviegoers, who are increasingly drawn to well-crafted local productions with global cinematic appeal. Many have also praised the film’s cinematography, pacing, and original score, describing it as one of Nollywood’s most technically ambitious projects of 2025.
Cinema owners report that ticket demand for The Herd has remained high since its release, with several theaters adding extra showtimes to meet audience turnout. Its social media buzz — amplified by influencers, film critics, and celebrity endorsements — has further cemented its cultural relevance.
As The Herd continues its nationwide run, analysts predict it could surpass ₦200 million in the coming weeks if its current momentum holds. Beyond the box office numbers, the film’s performance reinforces Daniel Etim Effiong’s growing reputation as one of Nollywood’s most versatile talents — seamlessly transitioning between acting, writing, and directing.
For audiences yet to experience it, The Herd remains in cinemas across Nigeria, serving as both entertainment and reflection — a bold reminder of Nollywood’s evolving storytelling power.
— Ranks Africa Magazine
