Nigeria’s Box Office Slows in September, Grosses N900 Million

Nigeria’s box office slowed in September, closing just above N900 million, the second-lowest monthly total of 2025.

The figure, while better than projections of N750–800 million, reflects the market’s volatility and seasonal dips. Distributors are now looking ahead to October to see if the industry can regain its billion-naira streak.

Comparisons to Previous Months

September’s haul marks a drop from August’s N1.1 billion (192,314 admissions) and July’s N1.23 billion (208,435 tickets), according to Nairametrics data. Those months benefitted from the staying power of blockbusters Fantastic Four and Superman, which dominated charts for weeks.

By contrast, September’s lineup leaned on horror, anime, and smaller domestic titles. Without a major crossover hit, the N900 million close was viewed as a relative win for exhibitors.

Weekend Leaders

• Sept. 5–7: The Conjuring: Last Rites opened with N31.6m, while Fantastic Four (week 7) added N18.9m, lifting its total to N451.6m. Local hit Abanisete grossed N15.7m, reaching N126.9m overall.
• Sept. 12–14: Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle stormed in with N82.4m, the month’s single-biggest opening. The Conjuring followed with N23.5m, while Abanisete crossed the N140m milestone.
• Sept. 26–28: Domestic comedy Gingerrr opened strongly at N78.9m, the best local debut of the month. One Battle After Another posted N15.4m, while The Conjuring (N15.1m) and Demon Slayer (N13.3m) held steady.

Top Performers

By month’s end:

• Demon Slayer grossed N154.6m
• The Conjuring reached N138.9m
• Abanisete closed September at N141.9m
• Fantastic Four extended its run to N468.3m, cementing its spot as 2025’s top-grossing import.

Looking Ahead

With September falling short of the N1 billion benchmark, industry focus shifts to October. Historically stronger due to holidays and new tentpoles, distributors are banking on the upcoming slate to restore the momentum seen between May and August.