A Filmmaker’s Guide
to Shooting in Nigeria
Our company works with local professionals to make sure you
are getting the right help throughout media production.
Permits in Nigeria: What You Need to Know
It is only possible to film in locations in Nigeria if you have first obtained a mandatory general film permit. This costs between $350 and $450 USD, and is usually procured from the one of these two organizations:
- The Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC)
- Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board.
It is required that you partner with a local fixer such as Nigeria Fixer. They will help you to secure your visas and special permits for drones or national parks, as well as handle any security concerns on your behalf.
Timing Your Nigerian Film Production around the Weather
• Dry Season (November–March)
At this time, temperatures are warm and generally comfortable, especially in the southern regions and central plateau.
• Harmattan (December–February)
A unique sub-season marked by dry, dusty winds from the Sahara, especially in northern and central Nigeria.
Shooting during this period can create a soft, cinematic haze ideal for stylized visuals, but it may also affect visibility and require extra lens protection for equipment.
• Rainy Season (April–October)
This is the least ideal period for filming because of heavy rains, flooding, and humidity. This is particularly true of Lagos and the southern states.
Planning Filming Equipment Rental & Local Crew Logistics
Nigeria has it’s own film industry, so we have all the equipment you might need for your video venture. Hiring your gear locally will also save you money as there are high import/export duties and shipping costs invovled in bringing your own kits.
By renting locally, we can assure you of great deals too, i.e. roughly ₦15,000–₦25,000 per day for basic cameras. You’ll also have no issue finding local expert, English speaking crew members. Fees may be a bit higher but this is due to the skill they’ll bring to your set.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it an ATA carnet country?
No it is not. It will be expensive to ship your own equipment into the country.
Is it safe for me and my team to film there?
Nigeria is deadling with problems now, so there are safety issues, depending on the area where you want to film. For more information, chat with us and ye can answer all your security concerns.
Do I need a visa or a work visa to film there?
You are not required to work with a local company for obtaining visas or working in the country but to erase all possible challenges, we would propose that you do.
Do I need a local company to film or get visas there?
Yes, you’ll need to partner with a local production company such as Sri Lanka Fixers when applying for film permits and undertaking other filming needs.
Do I need a permit for drones?
Absolutely. The best solution is always to work with a local, certified drone operator.
Is there a cash rebate/tax exemption or any other fiscal advantage?
At present there is no fiscal benefit for foreign filmmakers in Nigeria.
Can I shoot in a national park and, if so, under what circumstances?
It is possible to shoot your film in a national park but your local fixer will need to submit your application with your general filming permit copy attached. Following that, the park authorities will grant the permission at their own discretion.
Working with Nigeria Fixer
You can trust us to bring high standards and a lot of experience to your audiovisual project. You only have to look at our impressive roster of clients to know that we are the real deal. We’ve worked with Google, RTÉ (Ireland’s national broadcaster), Hewlett Packard and CISCO. We’ve also carried out a multitude of projects with other African countries who’ve filmed across Nigeria.