Nigeria's New Year agenda: Rail, refineries, and Nollywood's digital revolution

Welcome to our first Sunday edition of 234Digest in 2025! As Nigeria steps into the new year, we're witnessing a blend of ambitious infrastructure promises, industrial clarifications, and cultural evolution. From President Tinubu's commitments in the East to Nollywood's digital transformation and Tems' musical triumph, this edition captures the dynamic pulse of our nation. Our Sunday Special delves into Nollywood's remarkable journey, offering insights into an industry that continues to redefine African storytelling. Let’s dive in.

— Samuel Okocha, Curator and Editor

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Today’s briefs

Tinubu pledges to complete Eastern Rail, develop Anambra Basin

President Bola Tinubu has committed to completing the Eastern Rail line connecting Port Harcourt to Maiduguri and developing the Anambra Basin's energy reserves. During a visit to Enugu State, Mr Tinubu assured Nigeria’s South-east leaders that his administration would support the basin, estimated to hold 1 billion barrels of oil and 30 billion cubic feet of gas. The president's promises come as he seeks to boost infrastructure and energy production in the region.

BUA Group refutes refinery completion claims

Following President Tinubu's infrastructure commitments, BUA Group has dismissed reports that its 200,000 barrels per day refinery in Akwa Ibom State is 90% complete. The company stated that while construction is progressing steadily, it is not near completion. BUA reaffirmed its commitment to meeting delivery timelines and emphasized the project's importance in strengthening Nigeria's refining capacity. The group is also advancing other energy projects, including a mini-LNG plant and hybrid power plants across the country.

Saudi Arabia releases Nigerian women after drug trafficking acquittal

In related news of international engagement, three Nigerian women have been released by Saudi Arabian authorities after being acquitted of drug trafficking charges. The women, detained for 10 months, were arrested in March 2024 at Prince Mohammad bin Abdul Azeez International Airport in Madinah. Their release followed high-level diplomatic engagement between Nigerian and Saudi officials. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges of drug trafficking and the complexities of international legal cooperation.

Tems’ “Love Me JeJe” crowned best Afropop song of 2024

On a lighter note, Nigerian singer-songwriter Tems has capped off a remarkable year with her single “Love Me JeJe” being named the best Afropop song of 2024 by Rolling Stone magazine. The track, which samples Seyi Sodimu’s 1997 hit, topped the publication’s list of 40 best Afropop songs. The recognition comes on the heels of Tems’ debut album release and a successful global tour, cementing her status as a leading figure in the Afrobeats scene.

Sunday special: Nollywood's digital revolution: From VHS to YouTube

When "Living in Bondage" hit the streets of Lagos in 1992, few could have predicted it would spark a revolution. The straight-to-VHS drama laid the foundation for Nollywood, Nigeria's prolific film industry. Three decades on, Nollywood has swapped VHS tapes for YouTube streams and is eyeing global domination.

This digital transformation began in the early 2010s when Nigerian expat Jason Njoku launched Nollywood Love, a YouTube channel streaming Nigerian films. Within six months, it attracted 1.3m users, leading to an $8m investment from Tiger Global Management. This success birthed iROKOtv, often dubbed the "Netflix of Africa," which became the largest digital platform for on-demand Nollywood content.

The shift from physical markets like Alaba to digital platforms was not without challenges. Paul Obazele, a veteran actor and producer, initially equated all video streaming with piracy, highlighting the industry's struggle to adapt.

Today, YouTube serves as a virtual video market, resembling an online version of Alaba and Idumota. "From the time I was young I've just always been fascinated about drama," says Titi Joseph, a filmmaker whose journey mirrors Nollywood's evolution, speaking to this newsletter in an exclusive phone interview.

Ms Joseph's own career reflects this transformation. In 2018, she registered 1959 Productions, named after her late mother's birth year. Her first solo production, "Fading", tackled the sensitive topic of cancer, inspired by personal loss. Now, her YouTube channel, 1959 Entertainment, showcases her work to a global audience.

"YouTube gives you control over what you show, how you show it. It's actually like owning a TV station, but online," Ms Joseph explains. The platform has democratised distribution, allowing filmmakers to bypass traditional gatekeepers and reach audiences directly.

Charles Novia, CEO of November Productions, highlighted YouTube's advantage over subscription-based services at last year's Creative Hustle panel at the Lagos Fringe festival: "On YouTube, it's a different ballgame because YouTube is free. Everybody's got data." He contrasted this with Netflix's paltry 169,000 Nigerian subscribers—a drop in the ocean for a country of 200m.

The numbers are compelling. Nollywood is now worth over $6.4bn and attracts investment from international streaming giants. Yet challenges remain. Piracy continues to plague the industry, and infrastructure gaps hinder production quality.

Despite these hurdles, optimism abounds. "Nollywood is limitless. Nollywood is here to stay," Ms Joseph declares. As Nigerian stories find global audiences through platforms like YouTube, that limitless potential is well on its way to being fully unleashed.

Quote of the Day: "Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other." — Walter Ellio

Photo of the day

As we wrap up this edition, I'd like to remind you that 234Digest comes to you thrice weekly. Our new Sunday Special edition will feature a deeper dive into a major news item, exploring Nigeria's vibrant creative and cultural sector, covering everything from film and fashion to music, tourism, arts, and culture.

The newsletter provides a quick read on important stories from Nigeria's economy and business environment, ensuring you stay informed and up-to-date.

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