Who provides film fixer services in Nigeria?

Hoodlum Film Fixers provides full film production and fixer support in Nigeria, including visas, filming permits, customs clearance, and local logistics for international crews.

How long does it take to get filming permits in Nigeria?

Most filming permits in Nigeria are processed within five to ten working days. Complex or multi-location projects may take a few extra days for government approval.

Can I bring my own drone for filming in Nigeria?

No. Foreign drones are not permitted in Nigeria. Drone filming must be done through a licensed Nigerian operator approved by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.

What documents are required to film in Nigeria?

You’ll need a Business Visa on Arrival or Temporary Work Permit, your passport data page, return flight itinerary, and an official filming permit from a registered Nigerian company.

Are there filming incentives or rebates in Nigeria?

Currently, there are no government rebates or financial incentives for filming in Nigeria. However, the process for obtaining permits and local support is fast and efficient.

Nigeria

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Nigeria, facilitating international productions of every scale with a full range of services, including location scouting, obtaining permits, full range of logistic support and connecting production teams with local talent and experienced crew.

Ultimate Filming Guide for Nigeria

Capital

Abuja

Main Cities

Lagos

Local Languages

English: Official language

Currency

Nigerian Naira (NGN)

Climate

Tropical

General Visa Requirements:

All international film crews traveling to Nigeria must obtain entry authorization before arrival, either through a Business Visa on Arrival or a Temporary Work Permit, depending on the project’s nature and duration. The Business Visa on Arrival is the preferred option for short-term filming projects of up to 30 days and is processed directly in Nigeria by the host production company. Longer or commercial shoots may require a Temporary Work Permit supported by an official Letter of Invitation from a registered Nigerian production company.

Required Documents:

Required information / documentation for application:

Passport photograph
⁠Flight itinerary showing return ticket ( Tickets must be 2 weeks or less before travel date)
⁠Data page of international passport
⁠Address and phone number (Nigeria and country of domicile). My address in Nigeria will be used as Nigerian address
⁠Email address
⁠Bold Signature on a plain white paper

Required Travel Documents:

Passport
Yellow fever card
Flight ticket with return ticket
Visa - on arrival
Invitation letter – we provide you with this to have on you when you land
Wardrobe and Weather info in-country – it is hot in Nigeria, also rainy
Hotel address
Hotel telephone number

Other:
Malaria Tabs – this is optional but most our clients do prefer to take them

Visa Application Process:

Visa applications for international film crews are handled through a registered Nigerian production company. For short-term projects, a Business Visa on Arrival is approved by the Nigerian Immigration Service before travel, and the visa is issued at the airport upon arrival. Longer or commercial shoots may require a Temporary Work Permit, supported by a Letter of Invitation from the local host and processed at the Nigerian embassy in the applicant’s home country. Processing typically takes 7–10 working days for a Business Visa on Arrival and 2–3 weeks for a Work Permit.

Processing Time:

5 working days

Cost:

Visa costs for film crews depend on visa type and nationality. A Business Visa on Arrival costs about ₦500,000 (430 USD) per person and is valid for 30 days. For longer projects, a Temporary Work Permit requires a ₦150,000 (130 USD) invitation letter plus embassy visa fees. South African crew typically pay around ₦350,000 (300 USD). Costs may vary with exchange rates and government fees.

Accreditation Requirements:

International film crews traveling to Nigeria must secure the appropriate accreditation before filming. This process includes obtaining visa. Working with a registered local production company or fixer is mandatory and ensures that all permissions are properly in place before production begins.

Required Documents:

Required information / documentation for application:

Passport photograph (clear portrait with white background)
Flight itinerary showing return ticket (tickets must be booked 2 weeks or less before travel date)
Data page of international passport (both sides)
Address and phone number (Nigeria and country of domicile) — Hoodlum’s local address in Nigeria will be used for the Nigerian address

Processing Time:

5 to 10 working days. Visa on Arrival approvals are typically processed within 7 to 10 working days, while Temporary Work Permits may take up to 3 weeks if applied for through an embassy. For projects that include drone operations, additional approvals extend the timeline.

Cost:

Accreditation costs for international film crews vary by project size and location. General filming permits usually range from ₦250,000 to ₦500,000 (300 to 500 USD). Extra fees may apply for drones, airport shoots, or restricted areas. Visa and work permit costs are separate, and final rates are confirmed once project details and crew numbers are reviewed by the local production partner.

Issuing Organization:

International film crews are required to obtain a General Filming Permit before starting any production work in Nigeria. This permit serves as the primary authorization for filming activities and is issued by either the Nigerian Film Corporation or the Ministry of Information, depending on where the project will take place.

The application must be submitted through a registered Nigerian production company acting as the local sponsor. Required documents include an official request letter from the foreign production company outlining the project purpose and filming dates, a copy of the company’s certificate of incorporation, a short project synopsis, and a full list of filming locations.

Required Documents:

Required information / documentation for application:
Application/request letter from the production company stating the purpose and date of filming
Certificate of Incorporation of the requesting company
Brief synopsis of the project
Application must be submitted through a Nigerian company (Hoodlum will assist with this)

Processing Time:

5 working days

Cost:

On average, fees range from ₦250,000 to ₦500,000, which is roughly 300 to 550 US dollars. This amount covers administrative processing by the Nigerian Film Corporation or the Ministry of Information and local authority charges. If the production involves multiple cities, sensitive areas, or additional location permissions, the total cost may be higher. All payments are made through a registered Nigerian production company, which submits the application and liaises directly with government offices to secure the permit on behalf of the international crew.

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

All international film crews shooting in Nigeria must obtain official location permits before filming. These permits are issued by either the Nigerian Film Corporation or the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board, depending on the filming location. The process ensures that productions are legally authorized to film in public or private areas and that local authorities are informed about the nature and duration of the shoot.

Applications are submitted through a registered Nigerian production company and must include a project synopsis, filming dates, location list, and crew details. For sensitive or high-traffic areas, additional permissions may be required from local councils, police, or property owners.

Processing time for location permits is generally five working days. Working with a local fixer streamlines communication with government offices and ensures all location paperwork is handled.

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

Fees for private locations vary depending on the duration of use, the prominence of the location, and specific property owner requests.

Drone Regulations:

For aerial filming in Nigeria, it’s best to hire a locally licensed drone operator who already has the required permits. The local production team can handle all coordination with authorities and ensure compliance with aviation and security rules. Bringing in or flying an unapproved drone can lead to fines, confiscation, or production delays.

Drone Importation Regulations:

International film crews are not permitted to bring drones into Nigeria, as they are often confiscated by customs upon arrival and not returned. Drone operations in Nigeria are tightly controlled and require prior authorization from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and, in some cases, the Office of the National Security Adviser.

Permit Issuance:

Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), with extra clearances sometimes needed from security agencies. Applications must go through a licensed local operator, as foreign crews can’t apply directly. The process usually takes five to ten working days and requires flight details, project information, and proof of insurance.

Timing:

It’s best to begin the application process at least two to three weeks before the planned shoot to allow for any administrative delays and ensure all authorizations are in place before filming begins.

Cost:

Carnet Status:

Nigeria is not part of the ATA Carnet system, so international film crews cannot bring in equipment using a carnet. All filming gear must go through a local customs clearance process managed by a registered Nigerian production company. This involves providing a detailed list of equipment with serial numbers and values before arrival. Customs officials review the list, calculate duties or clearance fees, and may issue a refundable bond if needed. A local customs officer is usually assigned to assist the crew on arrival to ensure all items are cleared smoothly.

Required Documents:

Equipment carnet
Customs Service clearance fee
Nigeria Customs clearance application letter including names and passport IDs of crew bringing in equipment
Equipment list with serial ID numbers or codes

In some cases, a customs bond is issued when equipment brought in is not listed on the carnet or approved list. This bond is given after the host or local production company pays a fee to the customs officer on duty. The fee is refunded when the international crew departs with the same equipment.

Issuing Organization:

Equipment clearance in Nigeria is handled by the Nigeria Customs Service through a registered local production company acting as the importer. The local team works directly with customs officers to process paperwork, inspections, and clearance, with an officer often assigned to assist the crew on arrival.

Additionally:

Payment will be made in Nigeria to customs on the client’s behalf.
A customs officer will assist with clearance upon arrival.
A complete list of all equipment with serial numbers is required (no brand new equipment).
Final costs are calculated based on the submitted equipment/gear list.

Timing:

Approval is issued alongside visa approvals for those bringing equipment into Nigeria.

Cost:

Clearing filming equipment in Nigeria usually costs between ₦1,000,000 and ₦1,300,000 (about 860 to 1,100 USD), covering customs processing, documentation, and on-site assistance. A refundable bond may apply if some gear isn’t listed or is newly purchased. All payments and coordination are handled locally through the production partner to ensure smooth clearance on arrival.

General Overview:

Nigeria is a vibrant and fast-paced filming destination, but like many countries, it requires careful planning to ensure crew safety. International film teams are advised to work closely with a trusted local production company that understands regional dynamics and can arrange vetted drivers, secure transport, and local fixers familiar with each filming area. Hoodlum’s Nigeria team conducts thorough location assessments and coordinates with local authorities when necessary to ensure safe movement, secure accommodation, and a smooth production experience throughout the shoot.

Medical considerations:

Before traveling to Nigeria, crew members should have full medical insurance that includes emergency evacuation. A Yellow Fever certificate is required, and vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Tetanus are recommended. Malaria prevention is essential. Quality healthcare is available in Lagos and Abuja, but limited in rural areas, so planning ahead is important.