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The Federal Government has showered praise on Nollywood powerhouse Funke Akindele following the record-breaking success of her latest film, Behind the Scenes, which has set a new benchmark in Nigeria’s film industry.
The commendation came through the National Orientation Agency (NOA), which took to its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday to celebrate the filmmaker’s historic achievement. According to the agency, the film’s massive commercial performance represents a major boost for Nigeria’s creative economy and highlights Nollywood’s growing appeal on the global stage.
In its statement, the NOA confirmed that Behind the Scenes has officially earned over ₦2.1 billion at the Nigerian box office, making it the first Nollywood film in history to cross the ₦2 billion mark.
“Behind the Scenes has officially crossed ₦2.1 billion at the Nigerian box office, making history as the first Nollywood film ever to hit the ₦2 billion mark,” the agency stated.
The NOA described the feat as a defining moment for the Nigerian film industry, noting that it reflects years of growth, innovation, and increasing audience confidence in locally produced content.
Beyond its domestic success, the agency also spotlighted the film’s performance outside Nigeria, pointing out that Behind the Scenes recorded notable earnings in international markets, particularly in North America.
“The flex did not stop at home; the movie also showed modest global muscle, raking in over $111,256 in Canada and an impressive $190,249 across North America,” the statement read.
Emphasising the film’s widespread reception, the NOA added, “From Lagos to Toronto, from cinemas in Abuja to theatres overseas — this movie had everyone locked in.”
According to the agency, the strong international showing further confirms Nollywood’s ability to compete beyond African borders and attract diverse audiences, especially within the diaspora community.
The NOA also highlighted Funke Akindele’s personal achievement, noting that the actress and filmmaker has now become the first creative force to lead the African box office for three consecutive years. The agency described this milestone as unprecedented and symbolic of Akindele’s consistency, influence, and dominance in the industry.
Describing the success of Behind the Scenes as a landmark moment, the government agency stated that the film’s performance underscores Nollywood’s expanding global footprint and reinforces Nigeria’s rising profile in the international film space.
The recognition from the Federal Government follows widespread industry and public acclaim for the 2025 blockbuster, which has dominated cinema screens across Nigeria since its release. The film’s sustained box office momentum has been widely attributed to its compelling storytelling, strong cast, and Akindele’s established reputation as a box office magnet.
Industry observers have also noted that the achievement represents a shift in Nollywood’s commercial potential, proving that Nigerian films can achieve billion-naira milestones previously thought unattainable for the local market.
It will be recalled that on January 12, reports confirmed that Funke Akindele had etched her name into African cinema history after Behind the Scenes officially surpassed the ₦2 billion mark. The announcement sparked celebrations across social media, with fans and colleagues hailing the actress as a trailblazer and game-changer.
With this latest feat, Akindele continues to strengthen her legacy as one of Nollywood’s most influential figures, while Behind the Scenes stands as a symbol of how far the Nigerian film industry has come — and how much further it can go.
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