Nile Cinemas has embarked on a significant nationwide expansion by integrating VIVA Cinemas into its network. This strategic partnership, announced in December 2025, dramatically extends the company's footprint to key cities across Nigeria, including Ikeja, Ibadan, Ilorin, and Enugu.
A Strategic Move to Redefine Cinema Experience
This integration is not merely about adding more screens; it is a core part of Nile Cinemas' vision to fundamentally reshape how Nigerians experience movies. The company stated its philosophy revolves around creating warm, high-quality, and welcoming spaces where audiences do more than just watch films—they immerse themselves in them.
With this acquisition, Nile Cinemas now operates a total of eight locations nationwide. This portfolio includes its flagship luxury cinema at the Delborough Hotel on Victoria Island, Lagos, alongside the newly integrated former VIVA sites.
Planned Upgrades and Enhanced Offerings
Nile Cinemas has confirmed that all former VIVA locations will undergo phased upgrades. The improvements are designed to elevate the standard of cinema-going and include:
- Enhanced seating for maximum comfort.
- Superior sound and picture quality.
- Streamlined ticketing processes.
- A modernised ambience to create comfortable spaces for individuals, families, and groups.
The company emphasised that its approach carefully balances innovation with familiarity, ensuring regular moviegoers feel at home while enjoying new and improved amenities.
Leadership Perspectives on the Partnership
Moses Babatope, Group CEO of Nile Media and Entertainment Group, commented on the development. He said, “Bringing VIVA Cinemas into the Nile network allows us to scale what we do best—transforming cinema spaces into places people genuinely enjoy spending time in. This expansion brings us closer to diverse audiences across the country, which is central to our long-term vision.”
On the other side of the partnership, Ayo Amusan, Managing Director of Persianas Group, the owners of VIVA Cinemas, also expressed his enthusiasm. He stated, “Partnering with Nile Cinemas gives us an opportunity to reimagine the VIVA Cinemas experience through a shared commitment to quality, innovation, and audience satisfaction. We are excited about what this collaboration means for our customers and the growth of cinema culture across Nigeria.”
Implications for Nigeria's Cinema Industry
This partnership marks a pivotal step in the evolution of Nigeria's cinema landscape. By consolidating resources and shared expertise, both companies have pledged to enhance the overall audience experience while simultaneously expanding access to modern film entertainment to more Nigerians. The move is expected to stimulate cinema culture, support the Nollywood film industry by providing more screens, and offer movie enthusiasts in multiple cities a significantly upgraded viewing environment.
