Nollywood has seen significant growth over the years, evolving from its modest beginnings into a powerhouse in African entertainment both in terms of storytelling and production quality. This evolution is evident when comparing the industry’s early days to its current state. One major factor contributing to this growth is the increasing budgets allocated to film production, allowing filmmakers to undertake more ambitious projects that reflect the industry’s expanding capabilities.

As a result of these investments, Nollywood has produced films with substantial production costs, showcasing its ability to compete on a global stage. Below is a detailed look at the most expensive Nollywood films ever made, ranked from highest to lowest budget, with both historical and today’s estimated budgets provided:

Half of a Yellow Sun (2013)

Half of a Yellow Sun tops the list as the most expensive Nollywood film, with a budget estimated between ₦1.27 billion and ₦1.6 billion (Daily Trust). Directed by Biyi Bandele, this historical drama is based on Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s acclaimed novel. The film tells the story of two sisters caught in the turmoil of the Nigerian Civil War.

Ije (2010)

Following closely is Ije, directed by Chineze Anyaene, with a budget of ₦375 million (List ng). This film is a powerful drama centered around a woman’s quest to uncover the truth behind her sister’s arrest in the United States. Featuring Nollywood superstars Genevieve Nnaji and Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, the film had a substantial production cost at the time. Adjusted for today’s exchange rate, the budget would be approximately ₦1.9 billion using an exchange rate of ₦750 per USD (XE.com).

’76 (2016)

Directed by Izu Ojukwu, ‘76 is another high-budget production, costing ₦600 million (Pulse Nigeria). In today’s terms, the budget would be around ₦1.1 billion. This film uniquely blends historical events with a touching love story, set against the backdrop of Nigeria’s 1976 military coup. The movie’s detailed portrayal of the political tension of the time, combined with its emotional depth, makes it a standout in Nollywood’s filmography.

The CEO (2016)

Another film with a substantial budget is The CEO, directed by Kunle Afolayan. This thriller also had a budget of ₦600 million (Pulse Nigeria). The budget in today’s terms would be approximately ₦1.1 billion. The story revolves around five top executives competing for the position of CEO in a multinational company, set against the backdrop of stunning African landscapes. The film’s suspenseful plot and visual appeal have made it one of the most captivating Nollywood productions.

The Black Book (2023)

According to Businessday. ng, this crime thriller directed by Editi Effiong, was produced with a budget of $1,000,000. When considering the exchange rate at the time of production in 2023, this would have been approximately ₦770 to ₦775 million. It features a star-studded cast including Richard Mofe-Damijo, Sam Dede, and Ireti Doyle. The film, released on Netflix, has been compared to international hits like John Wick due to its gripping storyline involving a former hitman drawn back into the criminal underworld.

93 Days (2016)

93 Days, directed by Steve Gukas, follows with a budget of ₦400 million (Daily Trust). Adjusted for today’s economy, the budget would be around ₦760 million. This documentary drama recounts the heroic efforts of Nigerian health workers who fought to contain the Ebola outbreak in 2014. The film is a tribute to the courage and resilience of those who risked their lives to prevent a nationwide crisis, and its gripping narrative and powerful performances have earned it critical acclaim.

October 1 (2014)

Kunle Afolayan’s October 1 is another high-budget film, produced for ₦330 million (Daily Trust). Set in 1960, just before Nigeria’s independence, this period thriller follows a police detective as he investigates a series of murders in a small town. The film’s rich storytelling, combined with its historical setting, earned it praise both locally and internationally, further establishing Afolayan’s reputation as a leading filmmaker in Nollywood. The estimated budget in today’s economy would be about ₦540 million.

The Wedding Party 2: Destination Dubai (2017)

The sequel The Wedding Party 2: Destination Dubai, directed by Niyi Akinmolayan, was made with a budget of ₦300 million (Lists ng). This romantic comedy continues the story of a newly married couple as they navigate the challenges of their relationship, with the glamorous backdrop of Dubai adding to the film’s visual splendor and production cost.

The Figurine: Araromire (2009)

Also directed by Kunle Afolayan, this supernatural thriller was produced with a budget ranging between ₦50 million and ₦70 million (Daily Trust). Adjusted for today’s economy, the budget would range between ₦250 million and ₦350 million. The film tells the story of two friends who discover a mystical figurine that brings seven years of good luck, followed by dire consequences. The film’s success at the box office, where it grossed ₦30 million domestically, solidified its place as a classic in Nollywood.

Flower Girl (2013)

Directed by Michelle Bello, this romantic comedy was produced with a budget of ₦50 million (Daily Trust). The film tells the story of a young woman eager to get married and her boyfriend, who is more focused on his career. The light-hearted narrative explores the complexities of love and relationships, making it a popular choice among Nollywood audiences.

It’s important to note that while this list highlights some of the most expensive Nollywood films, many big-budget projects in the industry do not have their budgets publicly disclosed. For example, the budget for Gangs of Lagos has not been officially revealed. Given the film’s scale, production quality, and the involvement of Amazon Prime Video, it is speculated that the budget is substantial by Nollywood standards.

The film’s action sequences, special effects, and various location shoots suggest that the budget could be in the range of several million dollars, though these figures remain unconfirmed.

Similarly, the budget for Breath of Life has not been made public. As is often the case with high-profile Nollywood productions, exact figures are kept confidential, making it challenging to accurately assess the financial scope of such films. This lack of transparency in budget disclosures underscores the difficulty in fully understanding the economic landscape of Nollywood, even as the industry continues to grow and produce films that compete on a global scale.

Despite this, the available information shows that Nollywood is increasingly capable of delivering high-quality, big-budget films that capture the attention of audiences worldwide.