Since the beginning of 2024, the Nigerian film industry has demonstrated remarkable growth, building on the momentum from the high-profile releases in December.

The industry has generated a substantial total revenue of N6 billion, with Nollywood films securing an impressive 50.05% share of the market.

This sets the Nigerian box office on a promising path to achieve its ambitious revenue goal of N10 billion, significantly exceeding last year's total of N7.24 billion.

Nollywood has played a crucial role in this success, contributing N2.32 billion to the overall revenue and attracting 640,539 admissions.

This figure slightly surpasses Hollywood's contribution of N2.32 billion, which accounted for 49.95% of the market share. However, Hollywood films had lower admissions, with 559,122 tickets sold, representing 46.61% of total admissions compared to Nollywood's 53.39%.

Despite these achievements, the growth in Nollywood admissions has been minimal, at just 0.01% year-on-year, with total ticket sales around 1.1 million.

In this light, Nairametrics has highlighted the filmmakers responsible for some of the year's top-grossing films, each exceeding the N100 million threshold.

This includes notable successes from the first eight months of 2024, as well as standout releases from December 2023.

  • Funke Akindele – A Tribe Called Judah
  • Box Office Revenue: N610.7 million

Funke Akindele stands out as one of Nigeria's leading actresses and filmmakers. She embarked on her career in 1997 and rose to fame through her role in the UN-backed sitcom I Need to Know.

Akindele has earned the title of the "Queen of Box Office" in Nollywood, consistently ranking among the top three highest-grossing Nigerian films.

Her film A Tribe Called Judah made history as the first Nollywood production to surpass N1 billion in revenue. Battle on Buka Street (2022) achieved over N660 million, securing the second position, while Omo Ghetto: The Saga (2020) ranks as the third highest-grossing film in Nollywood. Akindele played a key role in both of these successful projects as an actress and producer.

  • Kayode Kasum – Ajosepo 
  • Box office earnings: N256.6 million

Kayode Kasum is a prominent Nigerian director and producer known for his work on Ajosepo, which achieved a box office gross exceeding N200 million, elevating his total earnings as a director to over N1 billion in the Nigerian film industry.

Kasum's films often incorporate English, Pidgin English, and various African dialects, showcasing his commitment to preserving cultural heritage for future generations both in Africa and among the Diaspora.

His notable filmography features successful titles such as Sugar Rush, This Lady Called Life, Kambili: The Whole 30 Yards, Soole, and popular Netflix productions like Far From Home.

Beyond his film endeavors, Kasum has directed more than 10,860 minutes of television content for MNET’s telenovelas Unbroken and Riona, which has led to campaigns for major brands including Forbes, DHL, and Manchester United. In 2021, four of his films ranked among Nigeria’s top 10 most-streamed titles on Netflix.

  • Eniola Ajao – Beast of Two Worlds 
  • Box Office Revenue: N252.8 million

Eniola Ajao is a prominent Nigerian actress celebrated for her adaptability in Yoruba films. Originating from Epe, Lagos, she has featured in more than 75 productions, including titles such as Eniola, Erin Orin, and The Vendor.

In 2024, Ajao made her debut as a producer with the film Beast of Two Worlds, which premiered on March 25 and was released in theaters on March 29, just in time for the Easter festivities. The film achieved a total cinema attendance of 72,532.

Directed by Odunlade Adekola and Adebayo Tijani, the narrative revolves around a desperate king who, in his quest to preserve his legacy, marries a woman from a different realm, resulting in unexpected turmoil.

Ajao pursued her studies in accounting at the University of Lagos and has carved out a significant role in Nollywood, especially within the Yoruba film sector.

  • Odunlade Adekola – Lakatabu 
  • Box office revenue: N202.2 million

Odunlade Adekola is a well-known Nigerian actor, filmmaker, and producer, celebrated for his leading performance in the 2003 film Asiri Gomina Wa, which significantly boosted his career.

Adekola has featured in a wide array of Nollywood films and is the founder and CEO of Odunlade Adekola Film Production (OAFP). He earned a degree in Business Administration from the University of Lagos.

In addition to his acting prowess, Adekola has made a name for himself as a producer.

His 2024 film Lakatabu, which debuted on June 21, achieved box office earnings exceeding N200 million, with a total of 55,048 tickets sold, establishing it as one of the top-grossing Nollywood films of the year.

Adekola's role in the film further highlights his adaptability in both acting and production.

  • Toyin Abraham – Malaika
  • Box office earnings: N158 million

Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi is a prominent actress and filmmaker in Nigeria. She embarked on her acting journey in 2003 while working with actress Bukky Wright in Ibadan. Since then, Abraham has taken on various roles as a director, producer, and actress in numerous films, such as Alani Baba Labake, Ijakumo: The Born Again Stripper, and Ebimi ni.

In 2013, she received a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the Best of Nollywood Awards for her performance in Ebimi ni. Her film The Ghost and the Tout Too achieved remarkable success, earning over N158 million at the Nigerian box office in 2024, underscoring her substantial influence in the film industry.

Additionally, Abraham participated in the reality TV series Keeping Up with Toyin Aimakhu and is the founder of Toyin Abraham Productions.

In 2020, she was appointed as an ambassador for Revolution Plus Properties, further extending her reach beyond the Nollywood sphere.

  • Bolanle Austen Peters-Funmilayo Ransom Kuti 
  • Box office earnings: N157 million

Bolanle Austen-Peters, born on February 4, 1969, is a prominent Nigerian lawyer, film director, and cultural entrepreneur. She is the founder of BAP Productions and Terra Kulture, a premier arts and culture center located in Lagos. Recognized by CNN as a trailblazer in Nigerian theatre, she has also been honored by Forbes Afrique as one of Africa’s most influential women.

Her film Funmilayo has set the record for the highest-grossing biopic in West Africa, amassing N157 million at the box office, while House of GA’A secured a place in the top 10 of the Global Chart for Non-English Films during its debut week. Additionally, Austen-Peters established Terra Academy for the Arts in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, aimed at empowering youth.

Her directing portfolio includes acclaimed productions such as Saro, the Musical, and Fela and The Kalakuta Queens, both of which have garnered international recognition. Prior to her career in the arts, Austen-Peters worked with the United Nations and practiced law.

  • Deyemi Okanlawon-All’s Fair in Love 
  • Box office revenue; N131 million 

Deyemi Okanlawon is a distinguished Nigerian actor, producer, and entrepreneur recognized for his impactful role in Nollywood. He began his acting career in 2010 with the film ZR-7 and gained prominence through a variety of short films and web series, such as Blink and 6:30pm. By 2013, he fully committed to acting, featuring in over 50 films, including notable works like Beyond Blood, Road to Yesterday, and No Man’s Land.

In 2024, Okanlawon ventured into film production with the romantic comedy All’s Fair in Love, which premiered on February 14. The film achieved remarkable success, earning N131.34 million and becoming the highest-grossing romantic comedy in Nigeria. The casting was managed by producers Deyemi Okanlawon and Esse Akwaka, while Kayode Kasum and Ifeme C.S. took on the roles of directors and directors of photography.

The film's engaging storyline, creative marketing strategies, and impressive cast played a significant role in its success, further solidifying Okanlawon’s standing in the Nigerian film sector.

Over the course of his career, he has received numerous awards, including a Best Actor accolade at the In-Short Film Festival, along with nominations at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.

  • Naz Onuzo-Muri & Ko
  • Box office revenue: N120.4 million 

Naz Onuzo stands out as a key player in both the creative and financial realms, leading Inkblot Productions, a top independent film and television production company in Nigeria.

In his role as Executive Producer, he has been instrumental in the success of several blockbuster films, including the Wedding Party series, Up North, Moms at War, and the recent sensation Muri and Ko. Released in June 2024 and directed by Biodun Stephen, Muri and Ko has achieved remarkable success, amassing over N100 million at the Nigerian box office shortly after its debut.

In addition to his impactful work in Nollywood, Naz is an experienced private equity expert, boasting over ten years of tenure at African Capital Alliance. He also holds positions as a non-executive director at FilmOne Entertainment, Filmhouse Cinemas, and Global Accelerex, where he contributes his expertise in strategic, financial, and creative management.

  • Emmanuel Iren- What About Us 
  • Box office earnings: N100 million

Emmanuel Aniefiok Iren is a Nigerian pastor, gospel musician, songwriter, and filmmaker. He established Celebration Church International (CCI), which is based in Lagos, Nigeria, and has expanded to over 15,000 members globally, with 30 branches in Nigeria, the UK, Canada, and the USA.

Iren's musical journey took a significant step forward in 2022 with the launch of his debut solo album, Apostolos: Sounds of Transition, which features well-known gospel artists such as Sinach and Judikay. The album quickly rose to prominence, reaching the top 10 on Apple Music.

In addition to his work in ministry and music, Iren ventured into filmmaking in 2024 as the executive producer of What About Us, a film that achieved box office revenue of N100 million in Nigeria.

Directed by Kayode Kasum and penned by Ife Olujuyigbe, this film represents another significant achievement in Iren's diverse career.