The Nigerian box office has achieved an extraordinary milestone, crossing the N1 billion mark in gross earnings within a single week for the first time in history.
Between December 20 and December 26, 2024, the box office amassed a staggering N1.02 billion, cementing its position as a growing powerhouse in global cinema.
Boxing Day, December 26, 2024, proved to be the crown jewel of this historic achievement. On that day alone, the industry set a new record with an astonishing N256.4 million in ticket sales, making it the highest-grossing single day in Nigerian cinema history, Nile Entertainment reported.
This remarkable feat shattered the previous record of N89.8 million, emphasizing the growing appetite for films during the festive season.
The scale of this achievement is evident when comparing December box office performances from previous years.
However, 2024 has set an entirely new benchmark, solidifying its place as the most lucrative December week in the industry’s history.
This unprecedented growth reflects the increasing popularity of Nollywood and international titles within the Nigerian market.
The remarkable performance of films released during this period demonstrates the strategic timing of blockbuster debuts and the consistent enthusiasm of audiences eager to celebrate the season with entertainment.
The milestone is more than just a financial achievement; it is a testament to the evolution of the Nigerian film industry and its expanding global footprint.
Ajayi also emphasized that box office revenue is just one component of the cinema industry’s broader revenue streams. He noted that, in some instances, box office earnings make up less than half of a cinema’s total income.