Nigerians Spent ₦1.2 Billion on Cinema Films in January 2024
Nigeria’s cinema industry continues to thrive as citizens embrace the cinema-going experience, with January 2024 marking a prosperous start. According to the Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN), revenue generated across cinemas in the country amounted to ₦1.2 billion during the month.
CEAN’s national president, Opeyemi Ajayi, revealed this figure, highlighting that the total number of viewers reached 322,833 within the same period. Ajayi expressed optimism about the industry’s trajectory, noting the sustained interest of Nigerians in cinema entertainment.
Reflecting on the performance of cinemas in 2023, Ajayi disclosed that the industry amassed a total revenue of ₦7.35 billion, with 2,606,891 admissions. Despite a slight decrease in cinema admissions compared to the previous year, revenue saw a commendable increase, attributed to higher average ticket prices.
Key highlights of 2023 included the success of top-grossing Nollywood films such as “A Tribe Called Judah,” “Malaika,” and “Orisa,” among others. “A Tribe Called Judah” particularly stood out, achieving record-breaking box office success and becoming the highest-grossing film in Nigerian cinema history.
The year also witnessed significant milestones, including the highest December Gross Box Office (GBO) of ₦1.6 billion and the opening of eight new cinemas. However, challenges such as rising operational costs led to the closure of two cinemas.
Furthermore, the introduction of Cinema Day in September proved to be a noteworthy event, resulting in a notable surge in both admissions and revenue for participating cinemas.
As the Nigerian cinema industry continues to evolve, CEAN remains committed to fostering growth and providing audiences with unparalleled cinematic experiences.
