The Federal Government has congratulated Nollywood star and filmmaker Funke Akindele following the historic box office performance of her latest film, Behind the Scenes, which has become the first Nigerian movie to gross over ₦2 billion in cinemas nationwide. The government described the feat as a major milestone for Nigeria’s creative industry and a clear sign of Nollywood’s growing economic and cultural influence.
In a statement, officials praised Akindele’s consistency, creativity, and ability to connect with audiences across generations, noting that her success reflects years of hard work and strategic storytelling. The FG added that achievements like this place Nigeria firmly on the global entertainment map and demonstrate the sector’s potential to create jobs, attract investment, and drive tourism.
Industry stakeholders have also hailed the record-breaking run, calling it a turning point for Nollywood’s commercial viability. With Behind the Scenes setting a new benchmark, analysts say the achievement could inspire higher production standards, increased cinema investments, and stronger support for local content, as Nigerian films continue to compete boldly on the global stage.