By Janefrances Chibuzor
The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) approved and classified 1,185 films in 2025, a development the Board says reflects sustained growth and resilience in Nigeria’s film industry.
Speaking on the figures, Director of Corporate Affairs, Ogbonna Onwumere, said the volume of films submitted for classification shows continued confidence in the sector despite economic challenges.
English-language films accounted for the bulk of approvals, followed by Yoruba and Igbo productions, while Hausa and other indigenous language films appeared less frequently.
Onwumere noted that the Board recorded increased submissions in minority languages such as Nupe, Berom and Gbagyi, alongside foreign-language titles in Hindi, French and Japanese.
He said most of the films approved during the year were rated 15 and 18, pointing to a strong focus on mature audiences, while family-friendly content remained limited. May 2025 recorded the highest monthly approvals, with 173 films classified.
Onwumere said the NFVCB is encouraging filmmakers to invest more in children’s and family-oriented content and expand the use of indigenous languages, adding that classification fees have been reduced for indigenous-language films outside Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa.
He said the 2025 classification figures underscore the Board’s commitment to responsible content regulation while supporting the growth of Nigeria’s film industry.
