By Yemisi Suleiman

Nile Cinemas, West Africa’s fastest-growing film entertainment brand, has expanded its network to eight locations nationwide with the integration of VIVA Cinemas in Ikeja, Ibadan, Ilorin and Enugu, aimed at widening audience access and deepening cinema culture across Nigeria.

The expansion, announced in Lagos, brings VIVA Cinemas into the Nile network, extending its presence across the South-West, South-East and North-Central zones and reinforcing its strategy of reviving and upgrading existing cinema spaces.

With the latest addition, Nile Cinemas now operates at THC Cinemax, Iju Road; Royal Roots Cinema, Ikota; Vintano Hotels; Delborough Hotel, Victoria Island, its exclusive luxury cinema, and the newly integrated VIVA locations in Ikeja, Ibadan, Ilorin and Enugu.

Group Chief Executive Officer of Nile Media & Entertainment Group, Mr. Moses Babatope, described the takeover as a strategic milestone, noting that it brings the brand closer to diverse audiences nationwide and strengthens its focus on enjoyable cinema experiences.

He added that the success of the Delborough Hotel luxury cinema reflects Nile’s ability to meet growing demand for premium and intimate movie experiences.

Nile Cinemas said it would commence phased upgrades at all VIVA locations, including improved seating, sound and picture quality, streamlined ticketing and enhanced ambience.

Group Chief Operating Officer, Ms. Biola Sokenu, said staff and loyal customers of VIVA Cinemas remain central to the transition, while Managing Director of Persianas Group, owners of VIVA Cinemas, Mrs. Ayo Amusan, said the partnership would redefine the cinema experience.

In the past year, Nile Cinemas has expanded through multiple takeovers and management agreements and plans to extend operations to the South-South, North-West and North-East regions in the near future.