Nile Cinemas has taken a major step in its rapid expansion across Nigeria with the integration of VIVA Cinemas into its growing cinema network, adding new locations in Ikeja, Ibadan, Ilorin, and Enugu.
The move unites two familiar cinema brands and brings Nile Cinemas’ total number of locations to eight, including its exclusive luxury cinema at Delborough Hotel, Victoria Island. It also marks a significant geographical expansion for the company, extending its presence deeper into the Southwest, Southeast, and North Central regions of the country.
Founded barely a year ago, Nile Cinemas has quickly positioned itself as one of West Africa’s fastest-growing film exhibition brands. Its growth strategy has focused on reviving existing cinema spaces, improving customer service, and creating welcoming environments that feel both modern and familiar to audiences. The addition of VIVA Cinemas aligns with this approach, allowing Nile to scale its model while retaining strong local connections.
With the integration, cinema-goers can now access Nile-branded experiences at locations including Nile at THC Cinemax, Iju Road; Nile at Royal Roots Cinema, Ikota; Nile at Vintano Hotels; Nile at Delborough Hotel VI; and the newly added Nile Cinemas at VIVA venues in Ikeja, Ibadan, Ilorin, and Enugu. While service standards will be unified across locations, the company says each cinema will continue to reflect the character of its host community.
Since inception, Nile Cinemas has emphasised a balanced film slate, showcasing Nollywood, Hollywood, and international titles, alongside ongoing investments in facility upgrades and audience experience. As part of the transition, the company will oversee phased improvements across all former VIVA Cinemas locations, including enhanced seating, upgraded sound and picture quality, improved ticketing systems, and refreshed ambience.
According to Moses Babatope, Group CEO of Nile Media & Entertainment Group, the expansion represents a strategic milestone for the brand. “Bringing VIVA Cinemas into the Nile network allows us to extend our core strength, transforming cinema spaces into places people truly enjoy visiting,” Babatope said. “Expanding into Ikeja, Ibadan, Ilorin, and Enugu means we are closer to diverse audiences across the country, which is central to our vision.”
Babatope also pointed to the success of Nile’s luxury cinema at Delborough Hotel as evidence of the brand’s ability to respond to evolving audience preferences for more premium, intimate viewing experiences. Group COO Biola Sokenu stressed that people remain at the heart of the company’s expansion strategy. “We are pleased to welcome the VIVA Cinemas teams and their loyal customers into our network,” he said. “While we refresh each location, we are committed to preserving the familiarity that loyal moviegoers value, ensuring the transition is smooth and rewarding.”
Mrs Ayo Amusan, Managing Director of Persianas Group, which owns VIVA Cinemas, described the partnership as an opportunity to elevate the cinema experience. “Partnering with Nile Cinemas allows us to reimagine the VIVA Cinemas experience through a shared commitment to quality, innovation, and audience satisfaction,” she stated. “We are excited about what this means for our customers and for the continued growth of cinema culture across Nigeria.”
With its latest expansion, Nile Cinemas is now operational in three of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones—South West, South East, and North Central—with plans to enter the South South, North West, and North East regions in the future.
As Nile Cinemas continues to grow, the company says its focus remains on strengthening cinema culture, supporting Nigerian filmmakers, and creating more spaces where audiences across the country can relax, connect, and experience film at its best.
