Federal Government Honors Nollywood Icons for Record-Breaking Box Office Performances
The Nigerian federal government has extended official recognition to two of Nollywood's most successful filmmakers, Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham, for their historic achievements at the box office. This celebration comes through the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), marking a significant moment of institutional support for the country's thriving film industry.
Official Recognition from Government Agency
On Monday, January 26, 2026, the managing director and chief executive of the Nigerian Film Corporation, actor Ali Nuhu, issued a formal statement via his official Instagram page. The statement specifically celebrated the remarkable box office successes of both Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham, highlighting their contributions to Nigeria's creative economy.
The NFC's acknowledgment represents a watershed moment for Nollywood, as it demonstrates government recognition of the industry's commercial viability and cultural impact. This official endorsement comes at a time when Nigerian cinema is experiencing unprecedented growth and international recognition.
Historic Box Office Achievements
Toyin Abraham made cinematic history when her film Oversabi Aunty crossed the ₦1 billion mark at the Nigerian box office. This achievement positioned the movie as the fourth-highest-grossing Nollywood film of all time, a remarkable feat that has captured national attention.
Meanwhile, Funke Akindele, who is no stranger to box office success, saw her latest production Behind the Scenes achieve even greater commercial heights. The film has grossed an impressive ₦2.4 billion at the box office and has extended its record-breaking run across cinemas throughout West Africa.
Official Statements from Nigerian Film Corporation
In celebrating Funke Akindele's achievement, the NFC stated: "Behind the Scenes, released on 12 December 2025, has not only resonated with audiences nationwide but has also recorded record-breaking commercial performance in key markets including the United Kingdom and Ireland, where it currently stands as the top-grossing Nollywood title. The Nigerian Film Corporation celebrates this milestone as a collective win for Nollywood, the creative economy, and for Nigerian storytelling worldwide."
Regarding Toyin Abraham's success, the corporation noted: "Every industry reaches certain moments that quietly signal growth. The Nigerian Film Corporation recognises one of such moments in the remarkable box office journey of Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi's Oversabi Aunty, which has now officially crossed the ₦1 billion mark in Nigerian cinemas. This achievement places Ms Abraham in the prestigious league of filmmakers whose works have not only connected culturally with audiences but have also demonstrated strong commercial viability."
Heartwarming Reactions from the Celebrated Actresses
Both actresses responded with gratitude to the federal government's recognition. Funke Akindele expressed her appreciation simply yet powerfully, stating: "Thank you so much!! I'm honoured."
Toyin Abraham responded with equal warmth, saying: "Awwww thank you so much. This means a lot to me." Their reactions reflect the significance of receiving official government acknowledgment for their creative and commercial achievements.
Broader Implications for Nollywood
This recognition from the Nigerian Film Corporation carries substantial implications for the entire Nollywood industry:
- It validates the commercial potential of Nigerian cinema
- It demonstrates government support for creative industries
- It highlights the growing cinema-going culture across Nigeria
- It showcases how locally rooted stories can achieve extraordinary reach
- It positions Nollywood as a significant contributor to Nigeria's economy
The NFC specifically noted that Toyin Abraham's success reflects a deep understanding of the Nigerian audience, a strong distribution strategy, and the growing cinema-going culture across the country. This analysis underscores the sophisticated business approaches now being employed in Nollywood.
Funke Akindele's international success with Behind the Scenes topping charts in the United Kingdom and Ireland represents another milestone, demonstrating that Nigerian films can compete effectively in international markets while maintaining their cultural authenticity.
This celebration of box office achievements comes at a pivotal moment for Nigeria's film industry, which continues to expand its influence both domestically and internationally. The federal government's recognition through the Nigerian Film Corporation serves as both validation and encouragement for filmmakers across the country.
