NFVCB records surge in film approvals as Nollywood output hit 304 in 2026
Maureen Aguta
Nigeria’s film industry maintained its growth trajectory in the first four months of 2026 as the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) approved and classified 304 films between January and April, underscoring rising production activity and expanding local content development across the country.
The latest figures released by the Board represent a significant increase from the 267 films classified during the corresponding period in 2025, reflecting renewed momentum in Nollywood and growing confidence among filmmakers despite economic pressures confronting the broader creative sector.
Industry data released by the NFVCB showed that January 2026 recorded the highest volume of film classifications with 102 approved productions, while February accounted for 83 films, March 77 and April 42.
In comparison, the Board classified 25 films in January 2025, 58 in February, 114 in March and 70 in April, highlighting a stronger start to the year for filmmakers and production studios in 2026.
The classification statistics also revealed the continued dominance of English-language productions in Nigeria’s movie industry. Out of the 304 films approved within the period under review, 201 were produced in English, while 44 were in Igbo, 42 in Yoruba, five in Hausa and three in Bini. The Board also classified nine Hindi-language films, reflecting the growing diversity of content available in the Nigerian market.
Analysis of the ratings issued by the NFVCB showed that films classified under the “15” and “18” categories accounted for the largest share of productions, an indication of the prevailing themes and storytelling patterns shaping contemporary Nigerian cinema.
According to the Board’s breakdown, 157 films received the “15” rating, while 103 films were classified “18”. Other classifications included 10 films under the General Viewing (G) category, 16 under Parental Guidance (PG), and 18 films under the “12/12A” category.
Speaking on the performance, Director of Film Censorship and Classification at the NFVCB, Deborah Malgwi, said the increase in film classification activities reflects the resilience and expanding capacity of Nigeria’s creative industry, particularly in local content production and distribution.
She reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to promoting responsible storytelling, professionalism and sustainable growth within the nation’s film ecosystem in line with national values and global best practices.
Malgwi noted that film classification remains a critical regulatory mechanism aimed at protecting children and vulnerable audiences from unsuitable content while also providing necessary viewing guidance for parents, guardians and the wider public.
She further commended filmmakers, producers and other stakeholders across the value chain for their continued cooperation and compliance with the Board’s regulatory framework.
Industry observers say the latest classification figures reinforce Nollywood’s position as one of Africa’s most vibrant creative industries, driven by increasing digital distribution channels, rising audience demand for indigenous storytelling and sustained investment in local productions.
Analysts also note that the strong showing by indigenous language films, particularly in Igbo and Yoruba, signals deepening acceptance of culturally rooted narratives and the growing commercial viability of regional content in Nigeria’s evolving entertainment market.
The NFVCB data comes amid broader efforts by stakeholders to strengthen the regulatory environment, improve production standards and expand the global reach of Nigerian films, which continue to gain international recognition across streaming platforms and film festivals.