NFVCB approved 1,185 films in 2025, pushes for indigenous language movies
The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) approved and classified 1,185 films between January and December 2025, according to a statement by Ogbonna Onwumere, the board's Director of Corporate Affairs. This represents an increase from the 1,088 films classified in 2024, indicating sustained growth in Nigeria's film industry.
English-language films dominated approvals, followed by Yoruba and Igbo productions. Hausa and other indigenous Nigerian languages appeared less frequently, though the board noted broader representation of languages like Nupe, Berom, and Gbagyi, particularly in September 2025. Foreign-language films in Hindi, French, and Japanese were also classified.
Most approved films carried 15 or 18 ratings, targeting mature audiences. Family-friendly classifications (G, PG, and 12A) were comparatively fewer, pointing to limited production of children's content. May 2025 recorded the highest approvals with 173 titles.
The NFVCB announced reduced classification fees for films produced in indigenous languages beyond Igbo, Yoruba, and Hausa to promote diversity. The board continues advocating increased investment in family-friendly content and wider use of Nigeria's indigenous languages.
With film production growing annually, will this momentum push more creators toward family-friendly content, or will the mature audience focus continue dominating Nigeria's cinema landscape?