In a move that promises to reshape Nigeria’s cinematic landscape, Lagos State has embarked on an unprecedented venture — the construction of its first-ever film city. This monumental project, valued at an impressive $100 million, is set to span 100 hectares in the tranquil waterfront town of Ejinrin, located in the Epe Local Government Area. In collaboration with the Del-York International Group, a renowned media and creative company operating in Nigeria and Africa, this film city is poised to become a hub for creativity, innovation, and economic growth.

Ejinrin, a picturesque waterfront town, serves as the canvas upon which this cinematic masterpiece will unfold. Nestled within the Epe Local Government Area, Ejinrin’s 900 meters of prime waterfront positions the film city as a captivating stage for a diverse array of film productions. This strategic choice in location aligns with the town’s burgeoning real estate activity, making it an ideal canvas for the creation of a comprehensive production hub.

The film city Itself is set to boast state-of-the-art facilities, including expansive sound stages, cutting-edge editing suites, well-equipped production offices, and all the infrastructure necessary to breathe life into the magic of filmmaking. This ambitious venture is more than mere bricks and mortar; it represents the foundation of a dynamic film and creative arts ecosystem for Nigeria.

Integral to the realization of this cinematic dream is the collaboration between the Lagos State government and the Del-York International Group. Valued at $100 million, this public-private partnership (PPP) is a synergistic’confluence of Del-York University, Studio City, and a Theme Park. The Del-York Group, founded by Nigerian filmmaker Linus Idahosa in 2007, has evolved into a multifaceted enterprise encompassing a film school, a film agency, and a film production company.

”The Lagos Film City is not just about constructing physical structures; it symbolizes the birth of a vibrant film and creative arts ecosystem for Nigeria,” emphasized a spokesperson from the Del-York International Group.

This PPP model underscores the growing significance of collaboration within Nigeria’s entertainment industry, offering a framework that combines government oversight with private sector expertise.

With a population of 21 million and a GDP of $102 billion, Lagos State stands as the cultural and economic powerhouse of Nigeria. It is the epicenter of the creative industries in the country, spanning music, literature, fashion, and film. Nollywood, the world’s second-largest film industry, producing over 2,000 movies annually and generating $1.2 billion, calls Lagos its home.

On the other side of this cinematic venture is the Del-York Group, committed to providing African filmmakers with access to knowledge, resources, and opportunities. Since its inception, the Del-York Creative Academy has trained over 1,000 students from 38 African countries, with many alumni earning recognition at local and international film festivals.

The ambitious film city project is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, stimulate economic growth and investment, and showcase the rich and diverse culture and talent of Nigeria and Africa to the world. It aims to enhance the capacity and competitiveness of the local film industry, which already stands as one of the largest and most prolific globally, producing over 2,000 films annually and generating over $600 million in revenue.

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) present numerous benefits, leveraging the skills and ideas of the private sector to reduce government risks and costs. However, they are not without challenges. Nigeria’s track record with PPPs has been mixed, with some projects failing to deliver expected returns due to bureaucratic hurdles, corruption, and a lack of transparency.

While the potential benefits of this film city project are immense, cautionary tales like the abandoned Film City Glasgow initiative in Scotland serve as reminders of the risks associated with such endeavors. Delays, cost overruns, and disputes marred the Scottish project, ultimately leading to its abandonment in 2014.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, since the inception of his administration, has been vocal about supporting the creative sector as a pivotal element in his grand plan to transform Lagos. The Lagos State Creative Industry Initiative (LACI) stands as one integral part of the government’s broader strategy to foster the sector’s development.

Collaborations with renowned filmmaking academies, including EbonyLife Creative Academy, Del-York Academy, Ogidi Studio, and AMAA, have yielded over 6,000 graduands, many of whom have emerged as new leaders and stars in the creative industry.

Even amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Lagos State government allocated a N1 billion interest-free grant to the creative sector, accessed by numerous film producers to ensure the industry’s vibrancy and productivity. Prior to this post-pandemic grant, the government disbursed N200 million as loans to 37 indigenous filmmakers.

These efforts, coupled with the completion of the J.K. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and the Glover Memorial Hall, both boasting state-of-the-art facilities, showcase the government’s commitment to the sector. The theaters built by the government have been concessioned to Lufodo Production Limited, Joke Silva’s firm, for effective management.

The government’s modest efforts are beginning to yield results. A recent PwC report highlights that Nigeria’s film industry contributed 2.3% ($660 million) to the GDP in 2021. Lagos, not just the commercial nerve but also the birthplace of Nollywood, is a significant influence on commerce, entertainment, technology, education, politics, tourism, art, and fashion.

Yet, the Lagos Film City project is not merely a local game-changer; it’s a visionary glimpse into the future. Lagos State, with its rich cultural heritage, diverse talent pool, and strategic location, possesses all the ingredients to become a global entertainment powerhouse.

Linus Idahosa, the founder of the Del-York Group, articulated this sentiment, stating, ”Collaboration is the heartbeat of creativity. With the Lagos Film City, we will unite diverse cultures in a shared creative vision, serving as a melting pot where the global creative community converges and collaborates. When we come together, work in unison, and craft stories together, we don’t just make art; we make history. Lagos has the potential to not only be a hub but also the epicenter of the global entertainment industry.”

As this cinematic odyssey unfolds, the Lagos Film City project stands as a bold step towards realizing this vision, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of Nigeria’s film industry. It holds the promise of job creation, economic growth, and the global showcasing of Nigeria’s vibrant culture and talent, further solidifying Lagos as a cultural, financial, and entertainment capital not just in Nigeria but across Africa.