CINEMA BUSINESS IN LAGOS, NIGERIA SINCE 1903

Abstract

Cinema business constituted an important aspect of the local economy in Nigeria during the colonial period. The business flourished from 1903 when the first film was shown in Lagos through into the 1970s and 80s. Lagos, being the nerve centre of commercial activities in Nigeria with a cosmopolitan population, had many cinema houses. Apart from enriching the owners, cinemas provided employment for many people and also served an important social function. People visited cinemas for relaxation and entertainment purposes. However, the downturn in the national economy and the emergence of the home video business created a negative effect on cinema ventures as many of the cinema houses were closed down. This paper is a history of the rise and decline of cinema ventures in the city of Lagos, Nigeria. It examines the nature of the business as well as the socio-economic impact on the society. It tries to unravel the factors that led to the decline of the business and the new trend in the re-emergence of cinema houses in the country.

Key words: Cinema, Business, Lagos, Nigeria.