Lagos Film City, Epe: The Future of Africa’s Creative and Cinematic Powerhouse

The city of Epe is fast emerging as one of the most exciting frontiers in Lagos State’s ambitious plan for creative, cultural, and economic transformation. Among its most visionary projects is the Lagos Film City, a world-class film, entertainment, and tourism hub designed to position Lagos as the film capital of Africa. This groundbreaking initiative underscores the Lagos State Government’s commitment to harnessing the immense potential of Nigeria’s creative industry particularly Nollywood, which stands as the second-largest film industry in the world. Nestled in the serene, scenic environment of Epe, the Lagos Film City is more than just a physical space it is a statement of intent, a declaration that Lagos is ready to lead Africa’s creative economy into a new era of innovation, collaboration, and global influence.

The idea behind the Lagos Film City was born from the realization that Nollywood despite its global acclaim needed a centralized ecosystem where creativity could meet infrastructure, professionalism, and global standards.

The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, conceptualized the Lagos Film City as a smart, sustainable, and world-class production and post-production ecosystem. The project aims to integrate film production, music, gaming, fashion, and tourism in one creative environment—similar to global entertainment cities like Los Angeles, Mumbai, and Seoul.

According to the state’s blueprint, the Film City will be a one-stop destination for film production, digital innovation, talent development, and cultural exchange, serving both local and international filmmakers.

Epe’s selection as the site of the Lagos Film City is no accident. Its calm, picturesque setting surrounded by lagoons, mangroves, and expansive land offers the ideal backdrop for creative production and tourism. Unlike the congested areas of central Lagos, Epe provides a peaceful and accessible environment where filmmakers and artists can work without distraction.

The location also aligns with the Lagos State Master Plan to decongest the city center and promote regional economic development across emerging zones such as Epe, Ibeju-Lekki, Badagry, and Ikorodu. Epe’s proximity to the Lekki Deep Sea Port, Dangote Refinery, and Lekki Free Trade Zone further makes it a strategic hub for logistics, trade, and investment. The developing road networks and the proposed Lagos-Epe Expressway expansion ensure seamless access for both local and international visitors.

The Lagos Film City is envisioned as a 70-hectare creative ecosystem equipped with cutting-edge facilities that meet global standards in film, television, and digital production. It will feature:

State-of-the-art sound stages for film and television production.

Post-production suites for editing, visual effects, sound design, and color grading.

Talent development centers offering training in cinematography, acting, animation, and production management.

Hospitality and leisure facilities including boutique hotels, restaurants, cafes, and outdoor event spaces.

A film museum and cultural park showcasing the evolution of Nollywood and African cinema.

Creative residences for artists, writers, and filmmakers to collaborate on projects.

The city will be powered by green energy solutions, supported by smart infrastructure such as digital connectivity, waste management systems, and sustainable transportation.bOnce completed, the Lagos Film City is expected to rival major global creative destinations like Bollywood’s Film City in Mumbai and Hollywood’s Universal Studios.

The economic potential of the Lagos Film City is enormous. Nollywood already contributes over 2% of Nigeria’s GDP, employing more than one million people directly and indirectly. With this new project, those numbers are expected to rise exponentially. The Film City will create thousands of direct jobs for filmmakers, technicians, designers, and performers, and indirect employment for artisans, transport operators, hospitality workers, and service providers in Epe and surrounding communities.

It will also serve as a magnet for tourism and investment, attracting both local and foreign film producers, media houses, and entertainment investors. The project aligns perfectly with the “Greater Lagos Rising” vision, which emphasizes inclusivity, creativity, and sustainability as key drivers of the state’s development.

Moreover, the initiative is expected to transform Epe into a creative tourism destination, where film enthusiasts, students, and global visitors can explore film sets, attend festivals, and experience Nigerian culture through cinema..

The Lagos Film City will also integrate tourism as a core component of its ecosystem. Visitors will be able to tour live sets, attend film festivals, and explore interactive experiences such as movie-themed attractions, exhibitions, and performances.

This synergy between film and tourism will reinforce Lagos’ position as a leading destination for creative tourism in Africa joining global cities like Cape Town, Marrakech, and Dubai, where film production has become a major tourism driver. For Epe, this development means more hospitality investments, better infrastructure, and increased visibility as a leisure destination.

The Lagos Film City in Epe is more than an infrastructure project—it is a symbol of a new era for Nigeria’s creative economy. It represents the fusion of art, technology, and development; a bold step toward building a future where Lagos is not just the center of commerce, but the heartbeat of African storytelling. For Epe, it signals a transformation from a quiet lagoon town to a global creative hub that will inspire, employ, and entertain generations to come.

As Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu aptly put it, the Lagos Film City will “place Lagos at the forefront of Africa’s creative economy, empowering our youth, celebrating our culture, and exporting our stories to the world.”

The cameras are rolling, the lights are on and the world is watching as Epe becomes the stage for Africa’s next big cinematic revolution.