Top movies like ‘Sinners,’ ‘Owambe Thieves’ and ‘Aso Ebi Diaries’ pushed the April’s box office revenue to over N1 billion.
The April 2025 broke the traditional dominance of December and January to join the coveted N1 billion club in the Nigerian box office. The month had a gross box office (GBO) haul of N1.29 billion and over 240,000 admissions across 47 titles.
In April 2024, the GBO stood at N795.5 million, dwarfed by this year’s 62.16 percent surge. Other high-performing months in 2024 included June (N907.8 million) and November (N954.7 million), which both came close to the N1 billion mark.
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Ironically, April 2025 began with a sluggish start. According to the Nigerian Box Office on X, admissions in the first week were down 29 percent, with revenue dropping by 2.7 percent compared to the same period in 2024. But by April 26, momentum had shifted, as admissions rose by 6.5 percent. Box office revenue soared by 52 percent.
Key periods fuelled this turnaround. The four-day Easter corridor alone generated N361.8 million, while the week of April 18–24 added another N477 million.
According to experts, a mix of factors appeared to have ignited the surge. April 2025 offered a rich film slate that blended local heavyweights with a major international blockbuster. Titles like ‘Radio Voice,’ ‘Makemation,’ and Ryan Coogler’s ‘Sinners’ captivated audiences, demonstrating that Nollywood titles can stand shoulder to shoulder with global releases.
A cinema operator, who preferred anonymity, said: “April boasted good content from both Hollywood and Nollywood, with ‘Sinners’ standing out as a major draw,” attributing the month’s success to compelling storytelling that resonated with audiences.
He also cited ongoing efforts to enhance the movie-going experience. “The upgraded screens at Leisure Mall in Surulere, for example, have improved brightness and picture quality, making every visit more enjoyable.”
The top six films for the weekend of 25-27 April reflect this diversity. ‘Sinners’ did N106.8 million (cumulative: N269.9 million, +43 percent); ‘Owambe Thieves’ made N30.8 million; ‘Aso Ebi Diaries’ made N12.5 million; ‘The Accountant 2’ did N11.8 million, as a new release, ‘Makemation,’ made N10.8 million. ‘Labake Olododo’ raked in N7.9 million.
The diverse lineup, from gripping dramas to action-packed thrillers, offered something for everyone, and strategic marketing helped amplify the excitement, experts say.
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Social media campaigns, influencer buzz, and targeted promotions built a sense of anticipation that translated into footfall.
Looking ahead, the cinema operator predicted that May and July could mirror April’s success. To sustain this momentum, the operator revealed intentional marketing strategies, such as discounts on concession combos, aimed at adding value for moviegoers. “We are doing more to create a buzz,” the operator further said, expressing hope that strong content would spark positive word of mouth, further driving attendance.
