Nigeria’s Film, TV Industry Generates Over $6bn Annually – Arimoro

Filmmaker and showrunner Rogba Arimoro has revealed that Nigeria’s film and television industry contributes more than $6 billion annually to the economy while providing employment for over one million people.

He also highlighted that the planned acquisition of MultiChoice by French media giant Canal+ could significantly reshape Nigeria’s television landscape.

In a statement, Arimoro explained that the deal may influence how content is commissioned, distributed, and owned, particularly in a market where MultiChoice has long been a dominant force through platforms like Africa Magic and Showmax.

According to him, the development goes beyond a simple ownership change. “This is a recalibration of the entire system. When a company like Canal+ comes in at that scale, commissioning becomes more strategic, budgets are more closely evaluated, and storytelling becomes increasingly market-driven,” he said.

Arimoro noted that while Nigeria’s film and TV sector has grown rapidly, many creators still struggle with ownership, as broadcasters often retain licensing and distribution rights. He added that the takeover could spark important conversations about sustainability and long-term value in the industry.

He further explained that Canal+’s expansion across Africa is likely to shift priorities toward content that can travel across multiple markets and attract subscriptions. “Content is no longer being created just for local audiences, but for broader ecosystems where scalability and return on investment matter,” he said.

Industry analysts suggest the move may result in fewer productions but with higher quality, aligning with global trends that favour commercially viable, high-impact content over volume.

However, there are concerns about the potential impact on Nigeria’s creative workforce. A reduction in commissioning could affect thousands of professionals, including writers, actors, and production crews, who rely on consistent project cycles.

Producer Eze Daniels echoed this concern, noting that the industry’s structure is closely tied to how often content is commissioned. “If commissioning slows, even slightly, the effects will be felt across the entire ecosystem,” he said.

Despite these concerns, both Arimoro and Daniels believe the deal could open doors for Nigerian content to reach wider international audiences through Canal+’s global distribution network.

Daniels added that while immediate changes may be subtle, long-term shifts in commissioning and distribution will likely influence the type of content produced, pricing structures, and audience access.

As Canal+ moves to strengthen its presence in Africa, stakeholders say Nigeria’s television industry is at a critical turning point, one that will determine whether its rapid growth translates into sustainable value or remains a high-output system with limited long-term benefits for creators.