The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has released its annual report for 2025, revealing a significant level of activity within Nigeria's vibrant film sector. The board announced that it approved and classified a total of 1,185 films between January and December 2025. This figure marks an increase from the 1,088 films classified in the previous year, 2024.
Breaking Down the 2025 Classification Data
The annual classification report provides a detailed snapshot of Nigeria's film production landscape. The approved films covered a broad spectrum of genres and languages, showcasing both robust local output and continued international submissions for the Nigerian market.
In terms of language, English-language films maintained their dominant position, accounting for the highest number of approvals throughout the year. Yoruba and Igbo language films followed in popularity. While Hausa and other major indigenous language films appeared less frequently, the report highlighted a notable inclusion of languages like Nupe, Berom, and Gbagyi, especially in September 2025, reflecting the nation's rich cultural tapestry.
The report also noted the classification of foreign-language films, including content in Hindi, French, and Japanese.
Audience Ratings and Monthly Trends
A key insight from the data is the audience classification trend. The analysis shows a strong concentration of films rated 15 and 18 across all months, indicating that a majority of the content produced in 2025 was intended for mature audiences.
In contrast, classifications suitable for general and family viewing, such as G, PG, and 12A, were comparatively fewer. This suggests a limited production volume of children's and all-audience content during the year.
On a monthly basis, May 2025 recorded the peak of film approvals, with an impressive 173 titles classified. The overall yearly trends highlighted three main points: the consistent dominance of English-language films, the clear majority of mature-audience ratings, and a growing, though still limited, representation of Nigeria's diverse indigenous languages.
NFVCB's Call for Greater Diversity and a Warning
Commenting on the findings, the NFVCB, led by its Executive Director, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, reiterated its commitment to fostering greater diversity in Nigerian film production. The board specifically called for increased investment in family-friendly content and a wider use of the country's many indigenous languages in filmmaking.
This directive aligns with Dr. Husseini's ongoing emphasis on promoting cultural representation and inclusivity within Nollywood. To encourage this shift, the Board had previously implemented a policy to reduce classification fees for indigenous language films outside of the major Igbo, Yoruba, and Hausa categories.
The Board also issued a firm warning to industry stakeholders who default on their obligations, emphasizing the importance of compliance with classification regulations.
In a statement, the Director of Corporate Affairs for the NFVCB, Mr. Ogbonna Onwumere, affirmed that the 2025 classification figures demonstrate sustained momentum in Nigeria's film sector. He stated that the report reaffirms the NFVCB's crucial role in ensuring responsible content classification while actively supporting the overall growth of the industry.
