Tag: Nigeria

Why This Decade of Technological Advancement Matter for Nigerian Small Businesses

For many small business owners in Nigeria, growth often feels slow and uncertain. Rising operating costs, intense competition, poor infrastructure, and limited access to funding make scaling difficult. For years, technology felt like something only large companies could afford.

That is changing real fast today.

As we close 2025 and moving to 2026, technology and artificial intelligence are becoming more accessible to Nigerian businesses of all sizes. Tools that once required large budgets are now available through mobile phones, cloud platforms, and simple software subscriptions. This shift means small businesses now have the opportunity to grow faster, operate smarter, and compete more effectively.

The businesses that succeed will not necessarily be the biggest. They will be the ones that understand how to use technology and AI as practical tools, not abstract ideas.

What Scaling Really Looks Like in Nigeria

Scaling is often misunderstood as simply increasing sales. In reality, scaling means growing in a way that does not break your operations. For Nigerian businesses, this means improving efficiency, reducing manual work, and creating systems that can handle more customers without increasing stress.

Technology and AI help small businesses do more with less. They allow business owners to automate repetitive tasks, understand customer behaviour, and make better decisions based on data instead of guesswork.

Using AI to Simplify Daily Business Operations

Many Nigerian entrepreneurs spend a large part of their day responding to messages, writing captions, tracking orders, and managing records manually. These tasks are important, but they slow growth when done without support.

AI tools help simplify these daily operations. Businesses can now use AI to respond to customer inquiries automatically, generate marketing content in minutes, and organize business information more efficiently. This does not replace human effort; it supports it. By reducing time spent on routine tasks, business owners can focus on strategy, sales, and expansion.

In 2026, automation will no longer be a luxury. It will be a basic requirement for any business that wants to scale sustainably.

Understanding Customers Better With Data and AI

One of the biggest advantages technology offers is clarity. Many small businesses struggle because they do not fully understand their customers. AI-powered tools help change this by analyzing sales patterns, customer behaviour, and engagement trends.

With these insights, businesses can see which products perform best, identify peak buying periods, and understand why customers return or stop buying. This leads to smarter pricing, better inventory planning, and more effective marketing.

When decisions are based on data rather than assumptions, growth becomes more predictable and less risky.

Building a Strong Digital Presence That Drives Growth

By 2026, customers expect businesses to be visible and accessible online. A strong digital presence is no longer optional. Whether through a website, an online store, or social media platforms, businesses must meet customers where they already spend their time.

AI plays a quiet but powerful role here. It helps businesses improve search visibility, recommend better content ideas, and optimize marketing campaigns. This means small businesses can reach more people without spending excessively on advertising.

A well-structured online presence allows a business to attract customers consistently, even outside normal working hours.

Improving Customer Experience With Smart Technology

Customer experience has become one of the strongest competitive advantages in modern business. Nigerian customers value fast responses, clear communication, and smooth service delivery.

AI-powered tools help businesses meet these expectations by supporting faster replies, automated order updates, and personalized follow-ups. When customers feel heard and valued, they are more likely to return and recommend the business to others.

As competition increases in 2026, businesses that invest in customer experience will stand out more than those that focus only on pricing.

Reducing Costs and Scaling Sustainably With Cloud Technology

Scaling does not always require heavy spending. One of the biggest mistakes small businesses make is investing in expensive systems too early. Cloud-based technology offers a more flexible alternative.

With cloud and AI software, businesses can pay only for what they use. They can upgrade tools as they grow and avoid the burden of maintaining expensive hardware. This approach reduces financial pressure while supporting long-term expansion.

For Nigerian businesses facing fluctuating costs and currency challenges, this flexibility is especially valuable.

Expanding Beyond Your Immediate Market

Technology has removed many of the traditional limits on business growth. Nigerian small businesses can now reach customers beyond their local environment, and even outside the country.

AI helps with market research, audience targeting, and content adaptation, making it easier to explore new markets without losing focus. At the same time, businesses that understand local culture and customer behavior can use technology to strengthen their local advantage.

Scaling in 2026 will be about balancing local relevance with wider reach.

You Do Not Need to Be a Tech Expert to Scale

A common fear among business owners is that AI is too complex. In reality, most modern tools are designed for everyday users. You do not need to know how to code or build software.

What matters is understanding your business problems and choosing tools that solve them. Learning gradually, testing solutions, and training staff in small steps makes tech adoption manageable and effective.

The goal is not to become a tech company, but to run a smarter business.

Technology and AI are reshaping how small businesses grow in Nigeria. In 2026, success will depend less on working harder and more on working intelligently.

Small businesses that adopt tech early, focus on efficiency, and prioritize customer experience will be better positioned to grow sustainably. The opportunity is not in using every tool available, but in using the right ones at the right time.

Scaling is no longer about size. It is about systems, strategy, and smart use of technology. Take the right step to grow your business today!

The 2025 YouTube Creator rankings in Nigeria deliver a resounding verdict: the audience’s appetite for long form narrative content is insatiable, positioning Nollywood actors, producers, and indigenous filmmakers as the undisputed digital champions. This list shows that success is measured not by viral short clips, but by total watch time driven by feature length movies and serialized dramas.

Omoni Oboli TV

Leading the charge as the Top Creator of the Year is veteran actress and filmmaker Omoni Oboli. Her channel, Omoni Oboli TV. She leverages her massive brand recognition to host her own high production-value movies and series. Crucially, she supplements this with personalized lifestyle vlogs and behind the scenes content. Her success in the industry is a blueprint for established stars looking to control their own distribution narrative.

Itelediconstudio

The Yoruba Film Kingpin securing the second spot, Itelediconstudio, run by actor and producer Ibrahim Yekini (Itele D Icon), underscores the digital power of Yoruba language cinema. The channel focuses on high-quality, culturally rich indigenous films and short series. Itelediconstudio’s content resonates deeply with the Yoruba diaspora and local audience, generating massive, highly loyal watch time.

Uchenna Mbunabo TV

A powerhouse in the East, Uchenna Mbunabo TV is a prime example of a film producer successfully transitioning into a massive digital distributor. The channel is dedicated almost entirely to uploading full length Nollywood movies and serial dramas, bypassing traditional distribution routes. Mbunabo’s ranking demonstrates that access to a high volume of quality, polished movie content is a key driver for millions of Nigerian viewers who treat the channel as a free, on demand streaming service.

Saira Movies

The presence of Saira Movies at number four highlights the immense digital influence of Kannywood, the Hausa-language film industry based in Northern Nigeria. Run by filmmaker Aminu Saira, the channel caters to a massive Hausa-speaking audience across Nigeria and West Africa. Its high ranking confirms that regional, culturally specific content has incredible digital market power and viewership loyalty.

Maurice Sam TV

Actor Maurice Sam follows the increasingly common trend for Nollywood talent: transforming a personal brand into a distribution platform. Maurice Sam TV features a constant upload schedule of full length movies, often starring himself. This shows that when viewers connect with an actor’s personality, they are highly motivated to follow them directly to their own distribution channel, thus increasing the actor’s creative and financial control.

RuthKadiri247

Actress and filmmaker Ruth Kadiri has built one of the most reliable digital brands in the industry. Her channel, RuthKadiri247, is known for its consistent output of emotional dramas and relatable short series. Her high ranking is a testament to the power of a relentless and professional upload schedule, which keeps her vast audience continuously engaged and coming back for the next release of her work.

APATATV+

APATATV+ is a major force in distributing Yoruba language films and dramas. Unlike creator led channels, APATATV+ is a dedicated production and distribution house, operating as a vital aggregator of indigenous cinema. Its high position underscores the mass appeal of professionally packaged Yoruba movie content and the public’s continuous demand for cultural storytelling.

Uche Montana TV

Actress Uche Montana’s channel success mirrors that of her peers, focusing on uploading full movies and series. As a rising star, her high ranking indicates that the new generation of Nollywood actors are prioritizing direct to consumer digital distribution right from the start of their careers, recognizing YouTube as the most crucial platform for building long term audience loyalty.

Sonia Uche TV

Rounding out the Nollywood domination is Sonia Uche TV. Like the others, this channel focuses on high-drama, emotionally engaging full-length movies that capture the typical Nollywood viewing experience. Her channel’s success further reinforces the fact that narrative continuity and long-form storytelling are the core metrics for success on Nigerian YouTube.

Brain Jotter

The only non-movie channel to crack the Top 10, Brain Jotter, demonstrates the immense difficulty comedy skit makers face in competing with movie channels for watch time. While comedy skits are massive on other platforms, Brain Jotter’s ability to break into this movie-dominated list is a huge achievement. His success is built on a recognizable brand, consistent comedic timing, and viral catchphrases, proving that genuine, high-quality humor can still get enough collective views to compete on the platform.

Forget the cliche holiday cheer. December 2025 is set to be one of the most creatively daring and commercially significant months in Nollywood history. Nigeria’s top producers and directors are delivering a powerful mix of deep social commentary, historical fantasy epics, and high-stakes political thrillers right to the cinema and your streaming devices.

Here is your detailed guide to the 10 must-watch Nigerian movies and documentaries releasing this festive season.

This Is Love (Documentary) Dec 1, 2025

Key Producer/Director: Victor Ugoo Njoku (Co-Director)

This is not your typical holiday romance. This powerful and essential documentary shines a light on the intimate lives of three LGBTQ+ Nigerian couples living and loving under the shadow of the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act (SSMPA). Through warm, deeply personal interviews, the film explores their challenges, resilience, and the sheer normalcy of their romantic connections, making a subtle yet profound assertion of their existence within Nigerian society. It’s a crucial, tender piece of social-issue filmmaking.

Colour Me True (Dec 4, 2025)

Key Producer/Director: Toluwani Obayan Osibe (Writer/Director)

Part of the esteemed First Features Slate Initiative, this drama stars Shalewa Ashafa as Sylvia Philips, a celebrated reality star whose meticulously constructed life collapses when her true, complicated identity is revealed. Forced to return to the childhood orphanage she tried to forget, the film explores the high cost of deceit, the journey of self-rediscovery, and what remains when the truth finally catches up.

This Is Not a Nollywood Movie (Dec 5, 2025)

Key Producer/Director: Wale Ojo (Director/Writer)

Making his directorial debut, veteran actor Wale Ojo delivers a wildly self-aware satire. The story follows Okechukwu Nwadibe (played by Ojo), a washed-up director from Nnewi who, inspired by a dream of winning an Oscar, attempts a chaotic comeback in Lagos. When he takes a shady loan from a powerful gangster, the film spirals into a dangerous, hilarious mess. Expect meta-humour and a candid, if exaggerated, look at the craziness of the industry.

Masaka Kids: A Rhythm Within (Documentary) Dec 9, 2025

This inspiring documentary focuses on the incredible Masaka Kids Africana, a group of talented children from Uganda who found global fame through their vibrant and energetic music and dance videos. It’s an uplifting, family-friendly film that captures the joy, resilience, and power of music in community. The documentary made this list because of its wide anticipation amongst Nollywood viewers.

Behind The Scenes (Dec 12, 2025)

Key Producer/Director: Funke Akindele (Producer/Co-Director)

From the undisputed “Box Office Queen,” Funke Akindele’s latest cinematic offering is a comedy-drama that peels back the curtain on the chaotic, high-pressure world of a Nollywood film set. The film captures the raw struggles, hidden experiences, and often untold stories of the crew members and actors (including an ensemble cast featuring Tobi Bakre, Iyabo Ojo, and Ini Dima-Okojie) as they navigate production mishaps, personal egos, and the fight to keep their project and their sanity intact.

A Very Dirty Christmas (Dec 16, 2025)

Key Producer/Director: Akay Mason (Director)

This film delivers on the classic holiday premise: a chaotic family gathering. When a large family comes together for the festive season, old issues resurface, long held secrets are explosively exposed, and the ‘peaceful’ celebration turns into a loud, messy, and hilarious wahala. The stellar cast includes veterans like Eucharia Anunobi and Femi Branch.

Oversabi Aunty (Dec 19, 2025)

Key Producer/Director: Toyin Abraham (Director/Producer)

Directed by and starring Toyin Abraham, this comic drama centres on Toun, a self-righteous church usher obsessed with “fixing” other people’s lives using her strong faith. Her overzealous, meddlesome advice spirals into disastrous consequences, peaking at a family wedding introduction. Toun is ultimately forced to confront the chaos her misplaced devotion has caused in a story that blends witty social commentary with relatable family dynamics.

Colours of Fire (Dec 24, 2025)

Key Producer/Director: Niyi Akinmolayan (Director)

Niyi Akinmolayan, known for his visual ambition (The Set Up, Elevator Baby), returns with a grand Fantasy/Epic Drama for Christmas Eve. The film follows a lone warrior sent on a mission to hunt down a dangerous beast unleashed by a rival clan. However, his journey reveals a much bigger hidden truth and a forbidden connection that forces him to question his loyalty and honour. Expect breathtaking cinematography and a thrilling narrative.

King of Boys 3: The Beginning of the End
(Dec 25, 2025 – Christmas Day)

Key Producer/Director: Kemi Adetiba (Director)

This is arguably the most anticipated film of the year. Kemi Adetiba gifts fans of her explosive political thriller saga the next chapter on Christmas Day. Picking up the story of Eniola Salami, this installment promises to deliver the high-stakes political intrigue, gripping action, and powerful socio-political commentary that the franchise is famous for. Expect monumental performances and a truly cinematic event.

Wizkid: Long Live Lagos (Documentary) Dec 26, 2025

Key Producer/Director: Karam Gill (Director)

While it’s an HBO original set for release Dec 11, African fans will get the intimate experience on Showmax from Boxing Day. Directed by Karam Gill, this feature-length documentary follows Nigerian superstar Ayodeji “Wizkid” Balogun as he prepares for his historic performance at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. The film explores his rise from the Surulere streets of Lagos to global icon status, challenging Western media’s stereotypes and tracing the massive global shift in the perception of African music. It is a candid look at the process and persistence behind his stardom.

This diverse slate proves that Nollywood is operating at the peak of its creative and commercial power. Whether you’re seeking a fantasy escape, a deep look into social issues, or the simple joy of a star-studded comedy, December 2025 has cemented its place as a legendary month for Nigerian cinematic storytelling. Happy viewing!

The Nigerian film industry continues to be one of the most vibrant storytelling ecosystems in the world. Beyond box-office hits and streaming successes, film festivals have become crucial platforms for discovering new voices, celebrating African cinema, and fostering collaborations between filmmakers, investors, and audiences.

As 2025 is coming to an end, Nigeria is set to host a series of prestigious film festivals that bring together filmmakers, producers, critics, and film lovers together. From Abuja to Lagos, Enugu to Benin City, here’s a comprehensive guide to the top film festivals happening across Nigeria from October to December 2025.

Abuja International Film Festival (AIFF)

Dates: October 26–31, 2025

Location: Abuja, Nigeria

Founded in 2004, the Abuja International Film Festival is one of Nigeria’s longest-running film festivals. Its goal is to provide a platform for filmmakers from Africa and beyond to showcase their works, exchange ideas, and network with industry players.

The festival screens a broad range of content from documentaries and shorts to feature-length film. It also features panel discussions, masterclasses, film markets, and awards ceremonies, making it a key stop on the African festival circuit.

Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF)

Dates: November 2–8, 2025

Location: Lagos, Nigeria

AFRIFF is arguably Nigeria’s most internationally recognized film festival. Since its inception in 2010, it has grown into a premier destination for African cinema, attracting filmmakers, industry executives, journalists, and cinema lovers from all over the world.

Held annually in Lagos, AFRIFF offers a week-long celebration of film, featuring screenings, industry sessions, pitching platforms, talent development programs, and the AFRIFF Film & Content Market (November 3–6). The festival has played a major role in positioning Nigeria as a creative hub for African storytelling.

Eastern Nigeria International Film Festival (ENIFF)

Dates: November 26–29, 2025

Location: Enugu, Nigeria

ENIFF was created to spotlight filmmakers from Eastern Nigeria while also welcoming entries from across Africa and beyond. Enugu, often regarded as the historic heart of Nollywood, provides a symbolic backdrop for this festival.

The 2025 theme, “Reimagine. Rethink. Reframe,” focuses on pushing creative boundaries and encouraging new cinematic perspectives. ENIFF showcases narrative films, documentaries, animations, and experimental works, accompanied by workshops, panel discussions, and youth-focused training sessions.

Imo Creatives & Film Festival (IMOIFF)

Dates: November 27–29, 2025

Location: Owerri, Imo State

The Imo Creatives & Film Festival (IMOIFF) is a growing event designed to highlight the power of storytelling in Nigeria’s Southeast.

IMOIFF focuses on empowering Nigerian storytellers through training programs, panel conversations, film showcases, and networking sessions. It serves as a bridge for young creatives, connecting them with mentors, funders, and collaborators.

Benin City Film Festival (BCFF)

Dates: November 27–29, 2025

Location: Benin City, Edo State

The Benin City Film Festival has quickly gained a reputation as a home for independent filmmakers. It focuses on films that challenge mainstream narratives and offer fresh, bold perspectives. The festival typically includes international and national screenings, panel talks, student competitions, and cultural showcases.

Benin City, with its rich artistic heritage, provides a vibrant atmosphere for the festival, blending film with local art, history, and tourism.

S16 Film Festival

Dates: December 1–5, 2025

Location: Lagos, Nigeria

The S16 Film Festival is a niche event dedicated to Super 16mm and analogue filmmaking. In an era dominated by digital technology, this festival celebrates the craft, texture, and discipline of analogue film production.

Participants engage in hands-on workshops, screenings of 16mm films, and discussions with veteran cinematographers who champion the art of traditional filmmaking.

African Indigenous Language Film Festival (AILFF)

Dates: December 3–5, 2025

Location: Lagos, Nigeria

The AILFF is a celebration of films made in African indigenous languages, highlighting the diversity and cultural depth of the continent. It was created to challenge the dominance of English and French in African film narratives, and to encourage filmmakers to embrace their mother tongues.

The festival features screenings, language preservation panels, and storytelling workshops, creating a space where language and cinema intersect powerfully.

These festivals not only celebrate creativity but also provide real platforms for training, funding, and collaboration.

Whether you’re a filmmaker looking to showcase your work, a student hoping to learn or eager to explore fresh stories, get ready 2025 is still packed.

In Nigeria’s Middle Belt, a place filled with beauty, history, and pain, a young filmmaker is bringing a different kind of story to the screen. Agatha Doowuese Akaahar, a 23-year-old Tiv filmmaker from Benue State, is the writer and director behind Black Sands, a moving short film that shines a light on the real lives of people living through conflict.

Agatha’s love for storytelling began early. After losing her mother as a child, books became her escape. Later, theatre gave her a voice and showed her the power of stories to heal and connect. Even though she studied History and International Studies at the University of Ilorin, she never lost her passion for film.

The inspiration for Black Sands came from her own experiences growing up in Benue. “The Middle Belt is often spoken about only in numbers — how many died, how many were displaced,” she says. “But behind every number is a person, a family, a dream.”

Unlike most films about conflict, Black Sands doesn’t focus on politics. Instead, it tells a human story about love, loss, and resilience. The title is symbolic — sand usually represents life, but when huts burn, the sand turns black. “The land remembers everything,” Agatha explains. “Black Sands is both mourning for what has been lost and hope for what can still grow.”

The filming took place in Jos, Plateau State, a place that mirrors Benue’s landscape and history. The cast and crew, many of whom had personal experiences with violence, brought honesty and depth to the film. “It wasn’t just another project,” Agatha says. “It was a way to remember.”

As both writer and director, Agatha rewrote her script eight times to get the story right. The result is a film that blends personal truth with collective memory — a story told simply but powerfully.

With Black Sands, Agatha isn’t just releasing a short film; she’s preserving voices that are often forgotten. It’s a reminder that even in the middle of pain, people still live, love, and hope.

Film Details

Black Sands written by Agatha Doowuese Akaahar

Format: Short film (3 minutes)

Single location (mud-hut compound interior)

Three characters:

• Kator (15)
• Wuese (10)
• Their mother (30s)

Language: Tiv (with translations to English)

Logline: During a violent raid on a rural village in the hinterlands of Benue State, two older siblings are forced to hide their little siblings inside a water drum and sacrificing themselves to keep these little ones safe.

Genre: Drama / War / Political Tragedy / Coming-of-age

Setting: A modest mud-hut compound in rural Benue State, Nigeria. It is early morning. The space feels warm, smoky, and lived-in; filled with the quiet rhythm of village life: birdsong, crackling firewood, footsteps on the dusty path, yam boiling on the stove, and the soft hum of a mother’s song.

Synopsis: Black Sands is a visceral, intimate portrait of a family caught in a moment of irreversible change and irreparable damage.

Kator is cooking yam in the family kitchen while his younger sister Wuese nags him playfully for food. Their older sister, weary and quiet, hums softly as she nurses a baby in the next room. A framed photo on the wall of their father and young Kator is a quiet nod to a simpler life. His absence suggests that he’s either deceased or away at the moment.

In the blink of an eye, there’s a low rumble and everything falls apart. Panic ensues. Gunfire cracks in the distance. Kator hears shouts and cries in the distance and the scampering sounds of neighbours frantically running; he hears someone shout ‘Mba agwey shi va ve’ , he immediately deciphers what’s happening; The armed men in tribal wraps who often visit with machetes and leave a trail of violence and bloodshed in their wake are here again.

Smoke starts to rise as huts and barns are raised to the ground, their sister acts quickly. She leads them to the backyard where there’s a big dugbe; a large, empty water drum. In a few quiet, devastating gestures, she places the children in it.

From inside the drum: muffled breathing. Raised voices. A scream. Then; silence.

Later, in the aftermath of the chaos, Wuese is seen sitting and staring into the distance, suggesting that everyone else is gone.

Themes

• Familial sacrifice: The sister’s final actions show deep, silent love; she’s like a mother doing whatever it takes to protect her children.
• Innocence in conflict: The war is never shown directly. Instead, we see its impact through the eyes of confused, frightened children.
• Political erasure: The story highlights the human cost of the Middle Belt crisis in Nigeria; a tragedy that is personal, painful, and

Tone & Visual Style

• Cinematic realism: Handheld camera work, natural lighting, close-up shots, and subtle, emotional performances.
• Muted, earthy tones: Warm browns, soft greys, black ash, and gentle firelight to reflect the mood and setting.
• Sound design is key: The dugbe becomes a space filled with tension, where every sound from outside is amplified.
• Minimalist style: The violence is never shown, only heard. The story is told from the children’s emotional point of view.

Why This Story?

In just one location, with just three characters, Black Sands captures something deeply Nigerian: the fragility of peace, the quiet strength of mothers, and the small, unspoken ways we hold onto dignity in the face of devastation.

It is inspired by countless untold stories of displacement and systemic violence in Nigeria’s Middle Belt; a region where family and community are the only shield, and memory, the only monument in the midst of all that chaos. This is a quiet, devastating film; deeply evocative, gripping, and powerful in its message. It is designed to eviscerate, to leave the audience with much to reckon with.

Budget: The budget for the film was ₦3M (three million naira) but due to Agatha’s financial management skills, the film was made under budget.

Nigeria is preparing for one of its biggest tax reforms in decades. Beginning January 1, 2026, the Federal Government will enforce the Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA) 2025, a law that makes the Tax Identification Number (TIN) mandatory for all taxable persons in Nigeria.

The reform according to the Government, is designed to modernize how taxes are tracked and collected, reduce loopholes in the system, and improve government revenue. For individuals and businesses, this means adjusting to a stricter identification process and ensuring compliance well before the 2026 deadline.

What the Nigeria Taxpayer Law Requires

1. Mandatory TIN for Taxable Persons

Every person or business considered a taxable person must have a TIN. This includes salary earners above the tax-free threshold, self-employed professionals, freelancers, and registered businesses. Without a TIN, access to critical financial services such as banking, insurance, pensions, and investment accounts will be restricted.

2. Integration with Existing Identification Systems

To reduce duplication, the government has said it will be linking the TIN with existing IDs. For individuals, the National Identification Number (NIN) will serve as their TIN, while for companies, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration number will double as the company’s TIN. This integration means fewer new registrations and a simplified identification process, but it also puts pressure on Nigerians to ensure their NIN or CAC records are up-to-date.

3. Recognition of Existing TINs

Nigerians who already have a TIN do not need to apply again. The law makes it clear that all existing TINs will remain valid. However, you are encouraged to verify your details on the official Joint Tax Board (JTB) portal to avoid issues with mismatched records once enforcement begins.

4. Enforcement Date: January 1, 2026

The Federal Government has provided a transition period that runs through the end of 2025. After this period, taxable persons without a TIN risk being locked out of financial services.

Who Needs a TIN by 2026?

The new law applies to:

• Individuals with taxable income: Employees whose earnings are above the taxable threshold, professionals like lawyers, doctors, engineers, as well as freelancers and traders.
• Registered businesses: All companies incorporated with the CAC, as well as partnerships and cooperatives, must comply.
• Exempt individuals: Nigerians who earn below the tax-free threshold or have no taxable income are not mandated to obtain a TIN. This safeguard is meant to prevent financial exclusion, especially for low-income citizens.

What to Do Before the 2026 Deadline

1. Confirm Your Tax Status

Before anything else, determine whether you fall into the taxable category. If you are employed with a taxable salary, run a business, or provide professional services, you are expected to comply. Knowing your status helps you avoid last-minute surprises and prepares you for proper registration.

2. Register for a TIN Early

For those who don’t already have a TIN, registration is straightforward. Applications can be made online via the JTB TIN Registration Portal or through the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). Registration is free of charge, and taxpayers are strongly advised to avoid unofficial agents or middlemen who may try to exploit the process by charging unnecessary fees.

3. Link and Use Your NIN or CAC Number

Individuals must ensure their National Identification Number (NIN) is valid and properly linked, as it will automatically serve as their TIN. Businesses, on the other hand, must confirm that their CAC registration number is active and updated with accurate details. Any discrepancies could cause delays in using these numbers as official TINs.

4. Prepare and Update Your Documentation

Proper documentation will be necessary to avoid delays. Individuals should have their NIN slip, a valid government-issued ID, and proof of address handy. Businesses should prepare their CAC incorporation certificate, details of directors, and official business address. Ensuring these documents are accurate and consistent with government records will speed up compliance.

5. Verify Your TIN

Once registered, it is not enough to assume your TIN is valid. Use the JTB TIN Verification Portal to confirm your status. This step ensures your TIN is recognized in the national system and linked to your financial and business transactions.

Nigeria has never been short of exceptional talent, creativity, and resilience. Over the years, several Nigerians have gone beyond borders to showcase their skills, passion, and determination by having their names in the Guinness World Records. These records cut across diverse fields including sports, entertainment, arts, cooking, and humanitarian efforts, reflecting the versatility and greatness of Nigerians on the global stage.

In addition to her globally celebrated 2023 cooking marathon record, Hilda Effiong Bassey (popularly known as Hilda Baci) recently embarked on another Guinness World Record attempt, this time for the Largest Pot of Jollof Rice. The attempt took place at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, where a custom-built pot measuring 6 metres wide and 6 metres tall, with a capacity of 22,619 litres, was used to cook thousands of kilograms of rice. Despite challenges during the weighing process, Guinness World Records has officially confirmed her achievement, cementing Nigeria’s cultural pride and Hilda’s place among record-setting Nigerians.

Below is a fact list of Nigerians who have broken or set Guinness World Records:

• Hilda Effiong Bassey (Hilda Baci): Longest cooking marathon by an individual (93 hours 11 minutes, 2023) and Largest pot of Jollof rice (22,619 litres, 2025).
  
• Tunde Onakoya: Longest chess marathon (57 hours 58 minutes, 2024).
• Oside Oluwole “Khoded” : Longest video game marathon playing a football game (75 hours, 2024).
• Bose Omolayo: Heaviest para power lift by a woman in the -79 kg category (144 kg, 2021).
• Paul Kehinde: Heaviest para power lift by a man in the -65 kg category (221 kg, 2018).
• Gbenga Ezekiel: Most skips in one minute on one leg; most double-under skips on one leg (2022).
• Chukwuebuka Ezugha & Victor Richard Kipo: Most consecutive football passes using the soles (2021).
• Chinonso Miracle Eche: Multiple freestyle football records (headers, touches while balancing on the head, etc.).
• Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke: Largest individual artwork on canvas (12,303.87 m², 2023).
• Bayo Omoboriowo: Largest photo book (60.84 m², 2021).
• Helen Williams: Longest handmade wig; widest wig; most hair clips in a wig in 30 seconds (2023–2024).
• Rema (Divine Ikubor): First song to top the Official MENA Chart (Calm Down, 2023).
• Hawwal Ogungbadero & 29 artists: Longest recording marathon (40 hours 19 minutes, 2024).
• Micheal Odenigbo: Most trees planted by an individual in 24 hours (25,000+, 2025).
• Akwa Ibom Christmas Carols Festival: Largest gathering of carol singers (25,272 singers, 2014).
• Fela Anikulapo Kuti: Most studio albums released by a solo artist (46 albums).
• Kaffy (Kafayat Shafau): Longest dance marathon (55 hours, 2006).
• Stephen Keshi: Youngest person to win the Africa Cup of Nations as both a player and a coach.
• Haruna Abdulazeez: Most American football touches with the feet in one minute (2020).
• Olawunmi Treasures Bayode: Longest reading marathon aloud (122 hours, 2018).
• Adetunwase Adenle: Four Guinness records: largest painting by children, most children reading aloud with an adult, most children washing hands simultaneously, and largest football jersey.

Nollywood’s latest historical epic, Amanyanabo: The Eagle King, is officially set to hit cinemas across Nigeria on September 12, 2025, marking one of the year’s most anticipated theatrical releases.

The film, directed by Fred Amata and Ibinabo Fiberesima, brings to life the story of King Ibanichuka (Ado VI), a 19th-century warrior of Okrika in the Niger Delta who was chosen by the goddess Tamunoba to become king. Drawing from Dr. Alfred S. Abam’s book ‘King Ibanichuka (Ado VI) 1816-1896’, the movie blends history, mythology, and drama, exploring themes of leadership, cultural identity, colonial resistance, and personal sacrifice.

Amanyanabo, the eagle king, a story of heritage, power, and destiny is coming to life on the big scree, from tomorrow, September 12.

Catch it with your geng.

A @ibinabo.fiberesima @queenbae_production film
Distributed by @nile_ent#Amanyanabothemovie #nileentertainment pic.twitter.com/DykUNGza3m

— Nile Entertainment (@Nile_ent) September 11, 2025

A Star Packed Cast

The epic features a rich ensemble of Nollywood veterans and rising stars. Patrick Diabuah leads as King Ibanichuka, supported by Nkem Owoh as Chief Ogan, Monalisa Chinda Coker as Queen Mboro, Walter Anga as Chief Okpokiri, and Gentle Jack as Igbanibo Will-Braide. International actor Lucien Morgan also appears as Consul Ralph Moor, representing colonial interests in the story.

Themes of Power and Conflict

Amanyanabo: The Eagle King dives deep into the political, spiritual, and cultural struggles of its era. It portrays the clash between indigenous traditions and Christianity, the influence of colonial powers, and the burden of leadership placed on Ibanichuka as he navigates loyalty, betrayal, and divine expectation.

Release and Distribution

Following its Lagos premiere, the film will now roll out to cinemas nationwide, with distribution handled by The Nile. Producers say the release is a milestone in Nollywood’s commitment to telling African historical stories on a grand cinematic scale, pairing elaborate costumes and set designs with powerful performances.

Early reviews from critics following its August 29 premiere in UK, have praised the film’s ambition and visual richness, though some noted its theatrical pacing. Nonetheless, many see the September 12 release as a defining moment for Nollywood, especially in elevating stories rooted in Nigerian history and culture.

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has officially announced the registration dates for its 2025 Batch B Stream II orientation exercise. According to the timetable released on the NYSC portal, the registration process will commence on Monday, September 8, 2025, and will run until Saturday, September 13, 2025.

This announcement is crucial for all prospective corps members (PCMs), both locally trained and foreign-trained graduates, who are expected to participate in the scheme’s one-year mandatory national service.

Key Dates and Activities

Event	Dates
Online Registration (Local & Foreign-Trained Graduates)	September 8 – 13, 2025
Pre-camp Physical Verification (Foreign-Trained Graduates)	September 14 – 18, 2025
ICT Department Processing of Data	September 17 – 20, 2025
Printing of Deployment & Call-up Letters (Institutions & PCMs)	September 21 – 23, 2025

Registration Guidelines for PCMs

To ensure a smooth process, PCMs are advised to take note of the following:

1. NYSC Portal: Registration should be done strictly on the official NYSC portal (www.nysc.gov.ng). Avoid unofficial sites to prevent scams.
2. Required Information for Local Graduate: Valid email address and phone number, NIN (National Identification Number, Matriculation/JAMB number for verification, Recent passport photograph (white background recommended)
3. Requirements for Foreign-Trained Graduates: – International passport and student visa, Original degree or HND certificate, WAEC/NECO/GCE results with scratch cards for verification, Transcript (if applicable), Physical verification at designated centers between September 14 and 18, 2025.
4. Biometric Capture: During registration, all PCMs are expected to complete biometric fingerprint capture.
5. Call-Up Letter Printing: From September 21 to 23, 2025, PCMs will be able to print their call-up letters. Those who paid during registration can print directly from the portal, while others must collect from their respective institutions.

After registration and call-up letter issuance, PCMs will be deployed to various states across Nigeria for the orientation camp exercise. The official camp opening date for Batch B Stream II will be communicated by the NYSC in due course.

During the three-week camp, PCMs will undergo:

• Orientation and training
• Lectures on national integration and youth development
• Skills acquisition programs
• Parade and drills
• Swearing-in ceremony

Prospective corps members are advised to begin preparations early, gather all necessary documents, and strictly adhere to NYSC guidelines. Timely registration is essential, as the portal will automatically close after the set deadline of September 13, 2025.

For updates, always check the official NYSC website and verified media outlets.

The Nigerian film industry is about to make history with the release of its first-ever full-length 3D animated musical, Gammy and the Living Things. Produced by Utricle Studios and distributed by FilmOne Entertainment, the landmark project will debut in cinemas nationwide on September 5, 2025, setting a new standard for local animation and storytelling.

The film follows Gammy, a redhead agama lizard with big dreams of becoming a music superstar. Determined to “blow,” he leaves his small town and embarks on a thrilling adventure to Lagos, the cultural capital of Nigeria. His journey blends humor, ambition, and self-discovery with electrifying music, dance, and unmistakable Naija energy.

Star-Studded Voice Cast

Adding depth and personality to the characters is an impressive lineup of Nigerian stars. Hip-hop legend Jude “MI” Abaga voices Gammy, while veteran actors Pete Edochie and Joke Silva bring their iconic voices to key roles. Popular comedian Bovi Ugboma and other well-known talents also feature in the cast, making it one of the most star-studded animated films in Nollywood history.

Industry Recognition and Anticipation

Even before its official release, Gammy and the Living Things has been praised as a milestone achievement. A private screening in Lagos in 2023, attended by then–Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, drew acclaim for its creative ambition and cultural relevance. Film analysts have described it as a defining moment for Nigerian animation, with the potential to open doors for more African stories told through world-class animated formats.

Beyond its musical spectacle, the film celebrates Nigerian creativity and resilience. Its use of popular Naija hits, energetic dance sequences, and familiar cultural expressions promises to resonate deeply with local audiences while also appealing to international viewers curious about African animation.

A New Era for Nollywood Animation

The release of Gammy and the Living Things signals more than just another movie premiere; it represents the coming of age of Nigerian animation. With Utricle Studios leading production and FilmOne Entertainment ensuring widespread distribution, the project is positioned to redefine how Nollywood is perceived globally.

Audiences across Nigeria can look forward to experiencing this historic production when it premieres in cinemas on September 5, 2025.