Nile Entertainment lands exclusive deal to distribute Universal, Paramount titles

United International Pictures (UIP), a British joint venture of Paramount Pictures and Universal Pictures, has appointed Nile Entertainment as its exclusive theatrical distribution partner for Universal Pictures and Paramount Pictures in Anglophone West Africa.

The appointment covers key markets, including Nigeria and Ghana, and will take effect from 27 February 2026. Nile Entertainment is set to oversee the theatrical release of titles from Paramount Pictures and Universal Pictures, such as Scary Movie 6 and Street Fighter, among others, across the region.
UIP stated that the partnership is aimed at strengthening its regional presence and supporting continued investment in West Africa’s cinema sector.

The partnership marks a shift in the distribution of major Hollywood studio content in Anglo-West Africa. Studio titles from Paramount and Universal account for a significant share of global box office revenues, but dipped in the market in 2025. Paramount’s market share in Anglo-West Africa dropped significantly in 2025, falling to 8.72 percent (N582 million) from 13 percent (N758.2 million) in 2024. Meanwhile, Universal Studios saw a slight decrease in its market share, from 10 percent (N597.1 million) in 2024 to 9.86 percent in 2025, but managed to increase its revenue to N658.4 million according to FilmOne yearbook reports.

By securing the UIP slate, Nile Entertainment looks to strengthen its position within the regional film value chain. Distribution remains a key leverage point in the theatrical business, linking studios to exhibitors and shaping how films reach audiences. The move is expected to affect competitive dynamics among distributors operating in Nigeria and Ghana, according to the company.

UIP and Nile also acknowledged the contribution of Silverbird Film Distribution, which handled UIP titles in the region for more than eight years. UIP said Silverbird played a role in the development of the modern theatrical market in West Africa.

The Anglo-West African cinema industry achieved a record high revenue in 2025, with total box office hitting N15.6 billion, which was driven by 2.79 million admissions across 122 cinemas, with Nollywood narrowly edging out Hollywood in market share.

Moses Babatope, Group CEO of The Nile Group, said: “UIP represents two of the most recognised studios in global cinema, and being entrusted with their titles in West Africa is a responsibility we take seriously. Our commitment is to serve audiences, support our exhibitor partners, and help grow the region’s theatrical market sustainably and collaboratively. We look forward to bringing a slate of Paramount Pictures and Universal Pictures releases to cinemas across West Africa in the year ahead.”

Cameron Hogg, Managing Director of UIP South Africa, said: “West Africa continues to grow as a theatrical market. With audiences expanding, cinema infrastructure evolving, and exhibitors investing in premium experiences, the region is entering a new phase. We look forward to working closely with Nile as we bring a lineup of Paramount Pictures and Universal Pictures releases to audiences across Nigeria, Ghana, and the wider Anglophone West African market.”