African Fixer

African Fixer
Nigeria

nigeria

Filming in Nigeria

African Fixer provides full film, video and stills production services across Nigeria – Africa’s most populous nation and the home of Nollywood – from the energy and skyline of Lagos and the floating community of Makoko to Abuja’s Zuma Rock, Yankari’s elephants and the ancient city of Kano. We manage local producers, fixers, crew, permits, equipment, security coordination and crew accommodation, drawing on one of the largest film workforces in the world.

African Fixer connects international production companies, agencies, brands, broadcasters and photographers with trusted local producers, fixers and crew across Nigeria.

We support TV commercials, documentaries, feature films, branded content, corporate videos, music videos and still photography campaigns with experienced local teams and reliable on-the-ground production support.

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

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

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.

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.

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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Importing film, broadcast and photographic equipment is handled with an ATA Carnet for temporary admission. African Fixer arranges carnet processing, customs clearance and equipment logistics as part of full production support.