Nigeria
Why Film in nigeria?
Nigeria is Africa’s biggest film market and its cultural powerhouse, offering enormous creative energy, a vast local crew base through Nollywood, and a rich mix of mega-city, cultural, savanna and coastal locations.
- Home of Nollywood – one of the world’s largest film workforces
- The dynamic mega-city energy and skyline of Lagos
- Rich Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa and coastal cultures
- Cityscapes, markets, beaches, savanna, hills and waterfalls
- English-speaking and Africa’s largest consumer market
- Strong music, fashion, art and street-culture scenes
- Large pools of talent, extras and support crew
- Growing appetite for international collaboration
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Capital City
Abuja
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Main Cities
Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Ibadan, Port Harcourt and Benin City
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Main Languages
English (official); Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo and many others
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Currency
Nigerian Naira (NGN)
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Weather
Nigeria’s climate varies by region. The south has a tropical rainforest climate with high humidity and heavy rainfall from April to October, while the north experiences a more arid climate with hot temperatures and minimal rainfall. The dry season (November to March) brings cooler winds from the Sahara, making it a more stable period for filming. Temperatures generally range from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F), depending on the location and time of year.
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Climate
Tropical – humid in the south, drier in the north, with a rainy season and a dry Harmattan
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Best Time To Shoot
November to March (dry season)
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Main Production Hubs
Lagos and Abuja
Production Services
Our Nigeria production services include:
- Local Producers
- Film Fixers
- Production Management
- Film, Video & Stills Crew
- Camera Equipment
- Lighting & Grip
- Drone Operators
- Location Scouting
- Film Permits
- Casting
- Transport & Logistics
- Crew & Cast Accommodation
- Security
- Catering
Crew & Equipment
Nigeria has one of the largest film workforces on the planet through Nollywood, with abundant local producers, crew, cast and extras, especially in Lagos.
Available crew includes local producers, fixers, production managers, camera and drone operators, sound, art department, stylists, hair and make-up and large support teams; senior technical crew and specialist gear can be supplemented from the region or abroad.
Camera, lighting and grip equipment is available in Lagos and Abuja for many productions, with larger or specialist packages imported when required. Logistics and security planning are important parts of any schedule.
Top Filming Locations
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Lagos – Victoria Island & Lekki
Modern skyline, business districts and lifestyle.
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Obudu Mountain Resort
Green highlands and a long cable car.
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Yankari National Park
Elephants and the Wikki warm springs.
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Zuma Rock, near Abuja
Monumental monolith on the road north.
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Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove
UNESCO forest shrine and sculptures.
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Makoko, Lagos
The famous stilt-and-canoe floating community.
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Balogun Market & Lagos Island
Dense, colourful commerce and street life.
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Nike Art Gallery, Lagos
Vast, vibrant African art collection.
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Tarkwa Bay & Elegushi Beach, Lagos
City-edge Atlantic beaches.
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Lekki Conservation Centre
Canopy walkway over coastal wetland.
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Abuja
The planned capital, boulevards and Aso Rock.
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Olumo Rock, Abeokuta
Historic rock fortress and viewpoints.
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Erin Ijesha (Olumirin) Waterfalls
Multi-tier forest waterfall.
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Idanre Hills
Ancient hilltop settlement and staircases.
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Kano
Ancient city walls and the Kofar Mata indigo dye pits.
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Niger Delta creeks
Mangroves, waterways and fishing communities.
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Calabar
Colonial waterfront and famous carnival.
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Ogbunike Caves
Sacred cave system in forest.
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Gurara Falls
Wide seasonal waterfall near Abuja.
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Nigerian markets, music & street culture
Afrobeats, fashion and creative energy.
Luxury Hotel Options
Nigeria’s leading hotels suit corporate, hospitality and lifestyle productions and serve as secure production bases. Access for filming is subject to approval and availability.
- Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos – Large landmark hotel and gardens on Victoria Island.
- Lagos Continental Hotel – High-rise hotel with city and ocean views.
- The Wheatbaker, Lagos – Boutique luxury in Ikoyi.
- Radisson Blu, Lagos (Ikeja & VI) – Reliable international-brand hotels.
- Transcorp Hilton, Abuja – The capital’s flagship hotel.
- Sheraton Abuja Hotel – Established business hotel and grounds.
Crew & Cast Accommodation
Cast and crew accommodation is concentrated in secure hotels in Lagos and Abuja. We arrange group bookings, secure transfers and logistics, with security coordination built into the plan where required.
- Luxury (talent, directors, key clients)
Eko Hotels & Suites / The Wheatbaker, Lagos – Premium, secure bases for talent and clients.
Transcorp Hilton, Abuja – Flagship option in the capital. - Mid-range (main crew, production team)
Lagos: Radisson Blu, Lagos Continental and Southern Sun Ikoyi – Reliable business hotels.
Abuja: Sheraton Abuja and Fraser Suites – Comfortable, secure crew bases. - Budget & serviced options (extended crew, longer shoots)
Lagos and Abuja business hotels and serviced apartments – Value options for longer stays.
Regional city hotels – Practical bases near northern and eastern locations.
Accommodation availability and rates vary by season and should be booked well in advance. African Fixer manages crew and cast bookings, transfers and per-location logistics as part of production support.
Best Time to Shoot
- November to March – Dry season with the most reliable shooting conditions across the country.
- The Harmattan (December to February) – Dry, hazy northern light, worth planning around for clarity and drones.
- April to October – Wetter, greener seasons with heavy rains, especially in the south.
- The north and savanna parks (Yankari) are best in the dry season for road access and wildlife.
Visa Requirements
International cast and crew should confirm visa and work permission requirements before travelling. Typical documents may include a valid passport, flight details, accommodation details, invitation letter, crew list and equipment list.
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Required Documentation
Applicants must provide a passport photograph, a copy of the data page of their passport, and a flight itinerary. Additionally, they need to submit their contact details, including address, phone number, and email. Health-related documentation is also required, which may include a COVID-19 vaccination card or a negative PCR test result, a yellow fever vaccination card, and a completed online health declaration form.
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Timings
3 to 5 business days, depending on the applicant’s nationality and visa type.
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Cost
Visa fees vary but generally range from $160 to $200.
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Note
Requirements may change based on health advisories and travel restrictions. It’s advisable to confirm with the Nigerian embassy before applying.
International Crew Accreditation
International productions may require local coordination, film permissions and supporting letters depending on the production type, locations and crew nationality, and should work with an in-country fixer or service company.
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Required Documentation
Applicants must provide equipment carnets, proof of payment for customs clearance fees, and supporting documents that outline crew roles and a detailed list of equipment.
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Timings
5 to 10 business days.
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Cost
$50 to $200 per crew member, depending on the equipment and project duration.
General Film Permit
Filming permits and accreditation are arranged through the Nigerian Film Corporation and the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), with state-level permissions (for example through the Lagos State film authorities) and site-specific approvals. Public and sensitive-location filming requires security coordination. Work through an experienced local fixer and allow lead time.
Drone Permit
Commercial drone filming requires a permit from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and often additional security clearance, and is strictly regulated. Permissions must be arranged well in advance, especially in cities and near sensitive sites.
Equipment Customs Clearance
Professional equipment can usually be temporarily imported with the correct customs documentation. An ATA Carnet may be used where applicable, and equipment lists should be prepared in advance.
Safety and Security
Lagos and Abuja are workable with the right local support, secure transport and security planning, which should be built into every schedule. Several regions – including parts of the north-east, north-west and Niger Delta – carry serious travel advisories and are generally avoided. Traffic and logistics require realistic scheduling, and malaria precautions are advised.
Rebates & Incentives
Nigeria does not currently offer a national film tax incentive or cash rebate for foreign productions, so budgets should not rely on a rebate.
Nigeria’s strengths lie in its vast local crew base, talent, market reach and creative energy. African Fixer will confirm the latest position on permit fees and any emerging incentives during planning, and manage permits, logistics and security coordination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Permits and accreditation are arranged through the Nigerian Film Corporation and NFVCB, with state-level permissions and security coordination for public and sensitive locations.
Yes. Through Nollywood, Nigeria has one of the largest film workforces in the world, with abundant crew, cast and extras, especially in Lagos.
Lagos's skyline and Makoko, Abuja and Zuma Rock, Kano's ancient city, Yankari's wildlife and the country's vibrant markets and street culture.
Secure landmark and business hotels in Lagos and Abuja, with secure transfers and security coordination arranged.
Yes, with the correct customs paperwork; an ATA Carnet may be used, alongside local camera, lighting and grip packages.
Yes. Drone filming needs an NCAA permit and often security clearance, and is strictly regulated.
No. Nigeria does not currently offer a film rebate. We confirm permit fees and any emerging incentives before you budget.
Yes, especially for music, fashion, culture, documentary and market-facing content, backed by a huge local workforce – with security and logistics planning.
Yes. We provide full production support from planning through to wrap, including permits, logistics and security coordination.
Did you know?
Nollywood is one of the largest film industries in the world by output, releasing well over a thousand titles a year – so Nigeria offers a deeper pool of experienced local crew, cast and extras than almost anywhere else on the continent.
PRO TIP:
Build security coordination, realistic traffic times and trusted local fixers into every Lagos and Abuja schedule, shoot in the November-to-March dry season, and lean on the huge local crew and talent base to keep productions efficient.
Bolo — Nigeria
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