The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), Ali Nuhu, has described the box office success of Oversabi Aunty as a strong signal of Nollywood’s growing economic credibility.
Nuhu made the remarks following the film’s feat of crossing the ₦1 billion at the box office.
The comedy film, directed and produced by Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi, was released on December 19, 2025, and has continued to record massive ticket sales nationwide.
In a statement shared on his Instagram page, Nuhu said every industry experiences defining moments that quietly signal progress, noting that Oversabi Aunty represents one of such moments for the Nigerian film industry.
“The Nigerian Film Corporation recognises one of such moments in the remarkable box office journey of Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi’s Oversabi Aunty, which has now officially crossed the ₦1 billion mark in Nigerian cinemas,” he wrote.
According to him, the achievement places Abraham in an exclusive group of filmmakers whose works have not only resonated culturally with audiences but have also demonstrated strong commercial performance in an increasingly competitive cinema market.
Nuhu said the film’s success shows that locally rooted stories, when properly produced and strategically marketed, can achieve wide reach and significant impact.
“Oversabi Aunty is a clear example of how locally rooted stories, when properly produced and strategically marketed, can achieve extraordinary reach and impact,” he stated.
He attributed the strong box office performance to a deep understanding of the Nigerian audience, an effective distribution strategy and the steady growth of cinema-going culture across the country.
Beyond the revenue milestone, Nuhu stressed that the achievement reflects a broader shift within Nollywood, particularly in its ability to attract investment and deliver financial returns.
“Crossing the ₦1 billion threshold is no longer an anomaly. It is becoming a benchmark that proves Nigerian cinema can sustain large-scale investment, return value and long theatrical runs,” he said.
He added that the Nigerian Film Corporation recognises the collective effort behind the film’s success, from the creative and technical teams to distributors, exhibitors and audiences whose consistent support helped turn the project into a commercial landmark.
Nuhu said Abraham’s journey with Oversabi Aunty sends a strong message to filmmakers across the country.
“Nigerian filmmakers can build big films, command big audiences and deliver big results at home and beyond,” he noted.
The NFC MD also described the milestone as another positive indicator of progress for Nigeria’s creative economy, expressing optimism about the industry’s future.
Ali Nuhu was appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Film Corporation by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on January 12, 2024. He currently leads the federal agency responsible for the development and regulation of Nigeria’s film industry.
