Nigeria’s cinema industry recorded an impressive N15.6 billion in box office revenue in 2025, signaling renewed growth for Nollywood as stronger audience turnout, wider film releases, and hit movies helped drive cinema earnings to new heights.
According to nairametrics, the performance highlights not only the growing appeal of Nigerian films but also the increasing importance of cinema infrastructure and regional demand in shaping box office outcomes.
While the headline figure tells a compelling growth story, a closer look at the numbers reveals how much of this success was driven by a handful of high-performing cinema locations across the country.
Box office revenues in Nigeria remain highly concentrated, with major urban centres accounting for a disproportionate share of ticket sales and admissions.
These locations benefit from higher cinema density, stronger consumer spending power, and a steady pipeline of local and international releases that keep screens active throughout the year.
In 2025, several states crossed the N100 million box office threshold, firmly establishing themselves as the commercial backbone of Nigeria’s theatrical market.
From long-established cinema hubs to emerging regional players, these locations collectively formed the engine room of Nigeria’s box office growth, contributing significantly to the industry’s overall earnings and shaping release strategies for filmmakers and distributors.
This analysis from the 2025 Nigerian box office yearbook highlights Nollywood’s top cinema locations that grossed N100 million or more in 2025, offering a snapshot of the states that played an outsized role in delivering Nigeria’s N15.6 billion box office performance.
- Kwara
Gross: N183.5 million
Kwara recorded N183.5 million in box office revenue in 2025 from two cinemas, with 50,023 admissions. The state accounted for 1.17% of revenue and 1.79% of admissions, pointing to steady audience interest.
Ilorin’s growing youth population continues to support cinema attendance, even as pricing remains moderate. Kwara’s performance highlights how smaller markets are gradually integrating into Nigeria’s theatrical ecosystem.
- Ondo
Gross: N281.5 million
Ondo State posted N281.5 million in box office revenue from just two cinemas, alongside 61,278 admissions. This translated to 1.80% of revenue and 2.19% of admissions, highlighting efficient use of limited cinema infrastructure.
Audience turnout relative to screen count suggests pent-up demand, particularly in urban centres such as Akure. With additional investment, Ondo could scale rapidly and strengthen its role in Nigeria’s regional box office mix.
- Osun
Gross: N331.5 million
Osun State generated N331.5 million in box office revenue from three cinemas, recording 72,959 admissions in 2025.
The state contributed 2.12% of national revenue and 2.61% of admissions, reflecting healthy audience engagement despite limited infrastructure.
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Cinema activity in Osun is largely concentrated in Osogbo, where youthful demographics and cultural interest in Nollywood support consistent turnout.
The figures suggest strong utilisation of existing screens, even as overall capacity remains small.
With modest expansion, Osun could significantly boost its box office contribution, making it an emerging player among Nigeria’s smaller cinema markets.
- Ogun
Gross: N483.4 million
Ogun State recorded N483.4 million in box office revenue from 12 cinemas in 2025, supported by 120,574 admissions.
While its 3.09% share of revenue trails its 4.31% share of admissions, the data points to strong turnout driven by proximity to Lagos and more affordable pricing.
Ogun’s cinema market benefits from spillover demand from Lagos residents seeking less congested locations.
High admissions relative to revenue highlight a value-driven audience base that prioritises access and pricing.
- Delta
Gross: N589.8 million
Delta State posted N589.8 million in box office revenue in 2025 across seven cinemas, with 107,558 admissions.
The state accounted for 3.77% of total revenue and 3.85% of admissions, reflecting a balanced relationship between turnout and earnings.
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Cities such as Warri and Asaba have sustained a modest but loyal cinema-going audience, driven by urban professionals and young consumers.
While Delta does not yet rival larger markets, its consistency makes it an important contributor to Nigeria’s overall box office performance.
The state’s figures suggest room for growth, particularly through cinema expansion and improved film distribution.
- Oyo State
Gross: N869.1 million
Oyo State generated N869.1 million in box office revenue in 2025 from 11 cinemas, supported by 187,925 admissions.
The state contributed 5.56% of national box office revenue and 6.72% of total admissions, indicating strong audience turnout relative to earnings.
Ibadan’s expanding population and urban sprawl have boosted cinema attendance, making Oyo one of the most active markets outside Nigeria’s traditional cinema strongholds.
While ticket prices remain relatively moderate, consistent foot traffic has driven respectable revenues across the year.
The state’s performance reflects the growing importance of secondary cities in Nollywood’s commercial ecosystem.
As infrastructure improves and disposable income rises, Oyo is well placed to deepen its contribution to national box office totals.
- Edo
Gross: N975.2 million
Edo State recorded N975.2 million in box office revenue in 2025, narrowly missing the N1 billion mark.
Operating with eight cinemas, the state attracted 193,075 admissions, giving it 6.23% of national box office revenue and a higher 6.91% share of admissions.
The gap between admissions and revenue share suggests relatively affordable ticket pricing compared to Lagos and Abuja, but strong audience turnout.
Benin City’s youthful population and growing entertainment culture have played a key role in sustaining demand, particularly for Nollywood releases that enjoy strong local resonance.
Edo’s performance highlights how volume-driven markets can compete with higher-priced regions in overall relevance.
- Rivers State
Gross: N1.04 billion
Rivers State crossed the N1 billion mark in 2025, generating N1.04 billion in box office revenue from eight cinemas.
With 168,721 admissions, the state accounted for 6.62% of Nigeria’s box office revenue and 6.04% of total admissions, reinforcing its role as the commercial cinema hub of the South-South region.
Port Harcourt’s cinema market benefits from a relatively strong middle class and a vibrant urban culture shaped by the oil and gas economy.
This has translated into steady demand for theatrical releases, particularly big-budget Nollywood titles that resonate with regional audiences.
While not as dense as Lagos, Rivers’ cinema infrastructure has proven capable of delivering consistent returns.
The state’s performance also reflects the gradual decentralisation of Nigeria’s box office, as audiences outside Lagos and Abuja increasingly contribute meaningful revenue.
- Abuja
Gross: N1.15 billion
Abuja emerged as Nigeria’s second-largest box office contributor in 2025, delivering N1.15 billion in revenue from just five cinemas.
The Federal Capital Territory recorded 198,282 admissions, translating to 7.34% of national box office revenue and 7.09% of total admissions.
These figures underscore Abuja’s status as a high-yield market, driven by stronger purchasing power and premium ticket pricing.
Unlike Lagos, Abuja’s cinema market is defined more by value than volume.
Fewer screens generate outsized returns, reflecting an audience willing to pay more for comfort, location, and curated viewing experiences.
The city’s demographics, dominated by professionals, diplomats, and civil servants, support steady demand for both Nollywood hits and international releases.
Abuja’s performance highlights the importance of income levels in shaping box office outcomes.
While admissions remain far below Lagos, revenue per viewer is relatively high, making the capital a strategic market for distributors.
- Lagos
Gross: N7.94 billion
Lagos firmly retained its position as Nigeria’s cinema capital in 2025, generating an impressive N7.94 billion in box office revenue, more than half of the national total.
With 41 cinemas, the state recorded 1.28 million admissions, accounting for 50.78% of total box office revenue and 45.87% of nationwide ticket sales.
This dominance reflects Lagos’ unmatched concentration of cinema screens, dense urban population, and higher disposable income relative to other states.
The state’s performance also highlights its central role in shaping Nollywood’s commercial success.
Most major film releases prioritise Lagos for premieres and extended runs, leveraging its large and diverse audience base.
Lagos cinemas benefit from premium pricing, high foot traffic in malls, and a steady mix of local blockbusters and international titles.
Beyond ticket sales, Lagos functions as the testing ground for distribution strategies, pricing models, and marketing campaigns.
