
“Nothing Beats Naija!”
Nigeria is one of the most well-known destinations in Africa. It is the most populous country in Africa and ranks seventh in the world! It is a diverse country with over 500 ethnic groups and languages and a variety of landscapes from mangroves, coastlines, national parks and arid desert-like regions. It is an excellent choice for a filming location and the energy in Nigeria is infectious from the music, to the fashion.
The Places
Nigeria, located in West Africa, is in an incredible and culturally diverse country and film location. It has an Atlantic coast on the Gulf of Guinea, and is bordered by Benin to the west, Niger and Chad to the North and Cameroon to the east. As you move from the tropical coastal economic hub of Lagos toward the more arid northern region of Kano you can experience various landscapes, languages and cultural groups. Lagos is a vibrant and modern city that enjoys many western amenities. Recently, there has been a large investment in Eko Atlantic, an artificial island being reclaimed just off the coast of Lagos. It is anticipated to become a business center and a financial hub for the whole of West Africa. It is here that future businesses, including film producers, are expected to flock, enjoying a wide variety of events. In the same region of the country, is Osun-Osogbo, just outside the city of Osogbo, and is a sacred grove along the banks of the Osun River. In 2005, this sacred grove was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its cultural value and global significance. Kano, in the north, is one of the locations in which the story Half of a Yellow Sun (by Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie) takes place.
In 2013, the novel was made into a film starring Thandi Newton and was filmed on location in Nigeria. Abuja, located in the center of the country, is the administrative and political capital of Nigeria. Abuja was built mainly in the 1980’s, and is a planned city conceived by a consortium of three American planning and architecture firms.

The People
The largest ethnic group in Nigeria, making up approximately 25% of the Nigerian population, is the Hausa. They are known for raising cattle and other stock, growing crops and trading. The Hausa, along with the Fulani group, practice Islam and are located in areas from the capital towards the northern borders. The Yoruba, found in the Western region of the country and Lagos are mainly known for upholding traditional aspects of their ancestors’ religious practices and beliefs. The Igbo people are an essential part of the oil trade and found in the south-eastern region including the city of Port Harcourt.
Culture and Entertainment
Nigeria is the home of Nollywood, the Nigerian Film and TV industry. For many years, it was the center of the African film industry. Nollywood, is the second largest film industry globally and estimated to account for almost 2.5% of Nigeria’s GDP, and a core growth sector in Nigeria. The entertainment industry in Nigeria is made up of television and film through Nollywood, yet they also produce a wide range of musicians such as superstar Afrobeat artists and have a vibrant fashion industry. The work of designer, Kenneth Ize, with his focus on preserving indigenous adire cloth (indigo resist-dyed cotton cloths) has graced the runways of Paris Fashion Week. His label was also shortlisted for the LVMH Prize in
- Many Nigerian musicians are also currently trending globally and collaborating with regional and international artists, and make-up artists such WizKid, Davido, Burno Boy and Asa
The film industry in Nigeria is equipped to handle a variety small to large scale productions, providing all the necessary filming equipment, as well as a wide range of professionals such as directors of photography and stills photographers as well as good art departments, camera assistants (focus pullers), sound operators, grips, gaffers, stylists, hair and makeup, PA/ runners, production drivers and local film fixers.

Logistics
In order to film in Nigeria, with the assistance of an African film fixer, a film permit can be sourced from the Nigerian Film Corporation. There are a variety of permits available depending on production needs and Nigerian authorities are accommodating to foreign film crews. Once the permit is acquired, safety is an important consideration for Nigeria as a location. Nigeria has, sadly, gained a reputation for being unsafe, but with the right precautions around road safety and general personal and equipment safety, Nigeria is a formidable and unforgettable filming location.