Nigeria’s cinema landscape is entering a new phase of consolidation and expansion as Nile Cinemas has formally merged with VIVA Cinemas, folding the brand into what it describes as the “Nile World.” The move significantly broadens Nile’s reach, adding four new locations in Ikeja, Ibadan, Ilorin, and Enugu, and bringing its total cinema network to eight sites nationwide.
The merger marks a major milestone for the company, which has spent the past year repositioning itself as a modern cinema operator focused on service quality, audience comfort, and long-term growth. Alongside the expanded footprint, Nile Cinemas now operates an exclusive luxury cinema at Delborough Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, catering to premium and small-group viewing experiences.
Growing Through Renewal and Access
Since its emergence, Nile Cinemas has pursued a strategy centred on revitalising existing theatres rather than building from scratch. This has involved repairing neglected cinema spaces, retraining staff, and redesigning venues to encourage repeat visits. Absorbing VIVA Cinemas aligns with this approach, allowing Nile to extend its operational model to new cities and audiences without losing local relevance.
The full list of Nile Cinemas locations now includes sites at THC Cinemax on Iju Road, Royal Roots Cinema in Ikota, Vintano Hotels, Delborough Hotel in Victoria Island, as well as the newly integrated former VIVA Cinemas outlets in Ikeja, Ibadan, Ilorin, and Enugu. While all locations will operate under Nile’s service standards, each is expected to retain elements that reflect its local audience and environment.
Upgrading the Cinema Experience
Nile Cinemas plans to implement phased upgrades across the former VIVA sites. These improvements will include new seating, enhanced sound systems, upgraded screens, faster ticketing processes, and refreshed interior designs. The objective, according to the company, is to create clean, contemporary spaces that appeal to solo moviegoers, families, and social groups alike.
From the outset, Nile has positioned itself as a platform for diverse film content, screening Nollywood, Hollywood, and international titles. By extending its reach through the VIVA acquisition, the company aims to standardise this experience across more regions while strengthening cinema culture beyond major urban centres.
Leadership Perspectives on the Merger
Moses Babatope, Group Chief Executive Officer of Nile Media & Entertainment Group, described the merger as a defining growth moment. He noted that integrating VIVA Cinemas into the Nile network would allow the company to apply its operational expertise to more locations, transforming them into destinations rather than just screening rooms. According to him, expanding into Ikeja, Ibadan, Ilorin, and Enugu places Nile closer to diverse audience clusters and supports its broader expansion goals.
Babatope also highlighted the luxury cinema at Delborough Hotel as evidence of Nile’s ability to meet rising demand for premium, intimate viewing experiences.
Group Chief Operating Officer, Biola Sokenu, emphasised continuity for staff and customers. She explained that while upgrades are planned, Nile intends to preserve aspects of the VIVA experience that loyal patrons value, ensuring a smooth transition for both employees and audiences.
On the seller’s side, Ayo Amusan, Managing Director of Persianas Group, which previously owned VIVA Cinemas, described the merger as a natural fit. He noted that partnering with Nile provides an opportunity to refresh the VIVA locations through a shared commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction.
Positioning for National Expansion
Over the past year, Nile Cinemas has steadily expanded by managing and upgrading venues such as THC Cinemax, Royal Roots, Vintano Hotels, and Delborough Hotel, before adding the four former VIVA sites. This growth supports its stated ambition to increase cinema attendance, strengthen community engagement, and support the distribution of Nigerian films.
With its current footprint, Nile now operates across three of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones—South West, South East, and North Central. The company has indicated that expansion into the South South, North West, and North East regions is planned in the future.
Industry Context and Outlook
Cinema mergers and acquisitions have become a common strategy globally, enabling operators to achieve scale, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen negotiating power with film distributors. For Nile Cinemas, the VIVA merger is expected to boost revenue by increasing screen count in key cities, standardising service quality to attract consistent audiences, and enhancing its position within Nigeria’s growing film economy.
As the company consolidates resources and expands its national presence, the merger signals a broader shift toward structured growth in Nigeria’s cinema sector—one that could reshape how audiences experience films across the country.