Nigeria’s movie gatekeepers have kicked off the year with a bang, stamping approval on no fewer than 102 films in January alone — a dramatic leap that signals a bustling season in the nation’s creative corridors.
The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) disclosed the figures in a statement issued in Lagos by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Ogbonna Onwumere. According to him, the January tally marks a steep climb from the previous month’s output, showing that the industry has shifted into high gear.
From just 39 films classified in December 2025, the number skyrocketed by an eye-popping 161.5 per cent to 102 in January.
A closer look at the numbers reveals that English-language productions continue to hold the ace. Out of the 102 films cleared for viewing, 86 were in English. Indigenous languages also kept their flame burning, with eight Igbo films, three Yoruba films and three Hausa films making the cut, while two Hindi productions added a foreign twist to the mix.
The breakdown paints a familiar picture: English dominates the market landscape, but local languages and international content are steadily carving their own niches in the cinematic mosaic.
”Analysis by the rating categories also revealed that three films were classified as G (General Viewing), four as PG (Parental Guidance), four as 12A, 64 as 15, and 27 as 18,’’ he said.
The distribution of ratings tells its own story. With a significant chunk falling into the 15 and 18 brackets, the Board signalled its watchful eye over age-sensitive content, reinforcing its resolve to shield younger audiences from material deemed unsuitable.
Beyond the statistics, the NFVCB extended appreciation to players across the film value chain, even as it tightened the screws on regulatory compliance — particularly in the digital space, where content travels at the speed of light.
”We shall commence the issuance of take down order on films not classified by the board. The implication of the demand notice is that all films not classified on the channel will also be taken down,” he said.
