The numbers tell a story of renewed audience confidence, stronger cinema infrastructure, and commercially explosive titles that kept screens buzzing across the country. But behind the headline figure lies a deeper truth: a handful of states drove the lion’s share of Nigeria’s cinema earnings.
From emerging regional players to established entertainment capitals, these are the Top 10 states where Nollywood made the most money in 2025 each crossing the critical N100 million revenue mark and cementing their place in Nigeria’s cinematic economy.
🔟 Kwara
Gross: N183.5 million
Kwara generated N183.5 million from two cinemas and 50,023 admissions, accounting for 1.17% of national revenue.
Driven largely by Ilorin’s growing youth population, the state demonstrates how smaller markets are steadily integrating into Nigeria’s theatrical ecosystem. Modest ticket pricing keeps attendance steady, proving that accessibility fuels engagement.
9️⃣ Ondo
Gross: N281.5 million
With just two cinemas, Ondo delivered N281.5 million and 61,278 admissions — an efficient output that highlights strong audience demand.
Urban centres like Akure show signs of pent-up cinema appetite. With expanded infrastructure, Ondo could rapidly scale its box office footprint.
8️⃣ Osun
Gross: N331.5 million
Osun recorded N331.5 million from three cinemas and 72,959 admissions. Contributing 2.12% of national revenue, the state’s performance is driven largely by Osogbo’s youthful, culturally engaged population. Strong screen utilisation suggests significant upside if cinema capacity expands.
7️⃣ Ogun
Gross: N483.4 million
Ogun’s 12 cinemas generated N483.4 million from 120,574 admissions.
Proximity to Lagos continues to boost foot traffic, with spillover audiences seeking less congested locations. The state’s higher admissions relative to revenue indicate value-driven pricing and strong turnout.
6️⃣ Delta
Gross: N589.8 million
Delta posted N589.8 million from seven cinemas and 107,558 admissions.
Cities like Warri and Asaba sustain a loyal audience base made up of urban professionals and young consumers. While not yet a mega-market, Delta remains a stable and strategic contributor.
5️⃣ Oyo
Gross: N869.1 million
Oyo crossed the N800 million mark, delivering N869.1 million from 11 cinemas and 187,925 admissions.
Ibadan’s growing urban expansion has strengthened cinema attendance, making Oyo one of the most active markets outside Nigeria’s primary cinema strongholds. Secondary cities are clearly reshaping Nollywood’s commercial map.
4️⃣ Edo
Gross: N975.2 million
Edo narrowly missed the billion-naira milestone, generating N975.2 million from eight cinemas and 193,075 admissions.
Benin City’s vibrant youth population and entertainment culture sustain strong turnout. Affordable pricing drives volume, positioning Edo as a volume-heavy but high-impact market.
3. Rivers
Gross: N1.04 billion
Rivers crossed the billion-naira threshold with N1.04 billion from eight cinemas and 168,721 admissions.
Port Harcourt stands as the commercial cinema hub of the South-South region. Backed by a strong middle class and urban vibrancy, Rivers continues to deliver consistent theatrical returns.
2. Abuja (FCT)
Gross: N1.15 billion
With just five cinemas, Abuja delivered N1.15 billion and 198,282 admissions.
The capital thrives on premium pricing and higher purchasing power. Though screen count is limited, revenue per viewer remains high, making Abuja one of Nigeria’s most profitable cinema markets.
1. Lagos
Gross: N7.94 billion
Lagos remains the undisputed king of Nigeria’s box office.
Generating a massive N7.94 billion from 41 cinemas and 1.28 million admissions, the state accounted for more than half of Nigeria’s total box office revenue in 2025.
As Nollywood’s commercial heartbeat, Lagos shapes premiere strategies, marketing campaigns, pricing models, and extended theatrical runs. Its dense population, mall culture, and premium pricing structure continue to define Nigeria’s cinema economics.
The Bigger Picture
The 2025 box office figures reveal a crucial shift: while Lagos dominates, regional markets are rising fast. States crossing the N100 million threshold signal a broader decentralisation of cinema revenue.
As infrastructure expands and disposable income grows across secondary cities, Nollywood’s theatrical footprint is set to widen unlocking new growth corridors beyond traditional hubs.
The N15.6 billion milestone is not just a number.
It’s proof that Nigerian cinema is scaling — state by state, screen by screen.
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