‘History was made in the Nigerian film industry on Saturday as Nollywood crime thriller, ‘Black Market’, shattered the Guinness World Record for the largest film screening in a single venue.

More than 51,000 movie enthusiasts converged on the iconic Tafawa Balewa Square, TBS, in Lagos to watch the film, eclipsing the previous global record.

The much-publicized screening held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, drew an unprecedented crowd of film lovers, industry stakeholders and entertainment fans to the Lagos landmark.

Officials of Guinness World Records who were on ground to monitor the exercise later confirmed the achievement, certifying 51,000 viewers as the official figure that qualified for the record.

While the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, disclosed that over 64,000 people were present at TBS, Guinness World Records clarified that only those who stayed seated and watched the film from beginning to end were counted for the record.

The confirmation of the new world record sparked wild jubilation, with cheers, dancing and a colourful fireworks display lighting up the night sky at TBS.

The organizers had set an ambitious target of 50,000 simultaneous viewers with the aim of breaking the 10-year-old record of 43,624 viewers held by the Filipino movie ‘Felix Manalo’, which was screened at the Philippine Arena in 2015.

As early as 10am on Saturday, massive crowds had begun to gather around TBS, with long queues stretching around the perimeter fence as people struggled to gain access into the venue.

The gates to the venue were opened at 2:00 pm, while the red carpet ceremony kicked off at 3:00 pm, leading up to the main film screening which started at exactly 7:00 pm.

Beyond the movie, the event was packaged as a full entertainment festival, with thrilling musical performances, comedy, food courts, games and other side attractions keeping the audience engaged.

Among the dignitaries who graced the occasion were the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, who represented the state government.

The premiere also witnessed a large turnout of Nollywood stars including Lateef Adedimeji, Kunle Remi, Stan Nze, Blessing Obasi-Nze, Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman, Gabriel Afolayan and renowned filmmaker Kunle Afolayan.

‘Black Market’ was directed by Fatimah Binta Gimsay, who co-wrote the script with Abdul Tijani-Ahmed, and tells the gripping story of five women caught in a deadly cross-border smuggling syndicate.

The plot thickens when the women are forced to confront their past and unite after one of them suffers the trauma of her child being abducted.

The movie parades an impressive ensemble cast including Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman, Lateef Adedimeji, Omowunmi Dada, Scarlet Gomez, Teniola Aladese, Susan Pwajok, Ibrahim Yekini, also known as Itele D Icon, and Uzor Arukwe.

Combining action, thriller and deep emotional moments, the film sheds light on survival, motherhood, desperation and the dangerous underworld of smuggling in West Africa.

The world record attempt was put together by Rixel Studios in partnership with FilmOne Studios, Signet Ring Studios and Switch Visuals Production.

According to the producers, the idea behind the giant screening was to showcase the strength and global potential of Nollywood by pulling an unprecedented live audience for a single film.

In his address, Deputy Governor Hamzat, who stood in for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, congratulated the team behind ‘Black Market’ and described the feat as a proud moment for Lagos and for Nigeria’s creative sector.

He reaffirmed that Lagos remains the home of entertainment in Africa and assured that the state government will continue to support creative initiatives that promote tourism, create jobs and empower young talents.

On her part, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson, said the record-breaking screening is clear evidence that Nollywood has come of age and can compete favourably on the world stage.

Guinness World Records adjudicators stated that the attempt satisfied all required conditions, including verified ticketing, strict monitoring of viewers who watched the film to the end, and independent crowd auditing.

Some audience members who witnessed the historic moment said it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and expressed pride in being part of a global history made by a Nigerian movie.

Film industry analysts say the new record will further boost the image of Nollywood, attract more foreign investment, and encourage more innovative distribution and premiere strategies for Nigerian films.

With this achievement, ‘Black Market’ has not only secured a place in the Guinness World Records book but has also raised the bar for cinema culture in Nigeria ahead of its official release in cinemas nationwide.