Lagos, October 2, 2025 — Nigeria’s cinema industry recorded a significant slowdown in September as box office sales dropped to ₦900 million, making it the second-lowest monthly revenue of the year, according to industry data.
The figure reflects a sharp decline compared with previous months, highlighting waning audience turnout amid economic pressures and limited blockbuster releases during the period. Industry analysts say the dip underscores the vulnerability of Nigeria’s cinema market to both consumer spending patterns and the timing of major film debuts.
Exhibitors noted that while a few titles managed to draw moderate crowds, overall attendance was subdued. The drop follows a pattern of fluctuating earnings throughout 2025, with only peak holiday months and select blockbuster releases driving stronger box office performance.
Cinema operators expressed concern that sustained weak numbers could impact profitability for both local and international distributors, particularly at a time when the sector is still recovering from pandemic-era losses and grappling with high operating costs.
Despite the downturn, stakeholders remain optimistic about a rebound in the final quarter of the year, citing upcoming highly anticipated Nollywood releases and international franchises scheduled for the festive season.
The September sales figure of ₦900 million now ranks as the second lowest of 2025, only ahead of the industry’s weakest month earlier in the year. The development raises questions about the need for a more robust release calendar and strategies to stimulate consistent cinema attendance across all quarters.
Industry watchers suggest that collaborations between local filmmakers, distributors, and exhibitors could play a key role in stabilizing earnings and sustaining the growth trajectory of Nigeria’s film industry, one of the fastest growing in Africa.
