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Nigeria’s film industry recorded fresh momentum in 2026 as the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) approved and classified 304 films between January and April, marking a significant increase from the 267 films classified during the same period in 2025.
The latest figures underscore sustained growth in local film production and reinforce the Board’s regulatory role in shaping standards within Nigeria’s fast-expanding creative industry.
According to NFVCB classification statistics, January recorded the highest number of approved films with 102 classifications, followed by 83 in February, 77 in March and 42 in April.
This represents an improvement over the corresponding period in 2025, when the Board classified 25 films in January, 58 in February, 114 in March and 70 in April.
A breakdown of the 2026 figures showed English-language productions dominating the industry with 201 films, while indigenous language content continued to gain traction. Igbo films accounted for 44 classifications, Yoruba recorded 42, while Hausa had five. The Board also classified nine Hindi films and three Bini-language productions during the period under review.
Further analysis revealed that most films fell within the “15” and “18” age rating categories, reflecting prevailing themes and storytelling trends in contemporary productions.
Of the 304 films approved, 157 received a “15” rating, while 103 were classified “18.” The Board also approved 10 films under the “General” category, 16 under “Parental Guidance (PG),” and 18 films under the “12/12A” category.
Commenting on the performance, Director of Film Censorship and Classification at NFVCB, Deborah Malgwi, reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to promoting responsible storytelling, professionalism and sustained industry growth in line with national values and global best practices.
Malgwi said the rise in classification activities reflects the resilience and expanding capacity of Nigeria’s creative industry, particularly in local content production and distribution.
She stressed that film classification remains a critical regulatory tool designed to protect children and vulnerable audiences from unsuitable content, while also providing parents, guardians and viewers with proper guidance on age-appropriate films.
The NFVCB official also commended filmmakers, producers and stakeholders across the value chain for their continued cooperation and compliance with the Board’s regulatory framework.
The latest classification figures come amid growing optimism around Nigeria’s creative economy, with stakeholders increasingly positioning film and entertainment as major drivers of cultural influence, employment and economic growth.
