Nigeria’s cinema industry is projected to generate up to N20 billion in gross box office revenue by the end of 2026, according to the West Africa Box Office Year Book 2025. The report says the milestone will be driven less by rapid expansion of cinema locations and more by improved monetisation, pricing strategies and disciplined film releases.
Industry data indicates that cinema admissions are expected to grow modestly from 2.6 million in 2023 to about 2.95 million in 2026, as inflation and rising living costs continue to affect consumer spending. Despite this, gross box office revenue has risen sharply, increasing from N7.36 billion in 2023 to N15.64 billion in 2025, with projections of N20 billion in 2026.
The report shows that average ticket prices have climbed significantly, rising from N2,824 in 2023 to nearly N6,000 in 2025, and are expected to reach about N6,800 in 2026. Analysts say this reflects higher operating costs as well as a shift towards premium cinema experiences and event-driven releases.
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While the number of cinema locations in Nigeria is projected to increase from 122 in 2025 to 135 in 2026, the report suggests the market is entering a more mature phase. Data from FilmOne Entertainment shows Nollywood accounted for about 49 percent of West Africa’s box office revenue in 2025, narrowly ahead of Hollywood.
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