NTA Set to Revive Iconic Classics and Launch New Originals

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The Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) is in talks with top Nollywood TV producers and showrunners to remake beloved classics and commission new, original content. Here’s what we know so far.

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In a landmark meeting held in Abuja on Thursday, May 22, 2025, the NTA laid out its renewed vision for content development. At the heart of the conversation are plans to revive the golden era of Nigerian television by remaking celebrated classics like Cock Crow at Dawn and Basi and Company, while also commissioning brand-new original projects.

Present at the meeting were key NTA executives, including Director-General Abdulhamid Salihu Dembos, Executive Director of Programmes Tari Taylaur, and Executive Director of Finance Apinke Efiong. On the producers’ side were some of Nollywood’s most accomplished names like Greg Odutayo, Joke Silva, Femi D. Ogunsanwo, James Omokwe, Chichi Nworah, Dimbo Atiya, Imoh Umoren, Seyi Babatope, Adebowale Akorede, Deji Adeniji, Soji Jacobs, Damilola Aleje, and Akin Marinho.

Tari Taylaur emphasized NTA’s historical significance in shaping what is now known as Nollywood. “The origin of Nollywood as we know it began from the production framework that NTA started. In a long time, we have stepped back, and things have rapidly unfolded. But now we are saying it is time for us to come back and be at the center of everything that this industry can be and should be,” she said.

She also encouraged producers to bring in new ideas and scripts beyond the remakes. “We want original content too. If you have something in development—even before you start shooting—let us know. Let’s explore how we can partner,” she added.

Director-General Dembos reinforced this commitment by noting the persistent demand from audiences to see old favorites brought back to life. “We’ve had people ask what happened to shows like Cock Crow at Dawn and Basi and Company. So we said, let’s speak to the people who can make this happen,” he said. “We’re storytellers like you. It’s time to blend the past and the present in the stories we tell.”

Speaking on behalf of the producers, veteran actress and filmmaker Joke Silva expressed excitement. “I am really, really excited that NTA has decided to come back and own the space it should never have abdicated. Whether we like it or not, across Nigeria and Africa, there’s a crisis of identity. We must create content that tells our people who they are, as Nigerians and as Africans. Whether it’s a remake or something new, the messaging must be intentional.”

Among the classics slated for revival is Basi and Company, the beloved satirical sitcom created and co-written by Ken Saro-Wiwa and directed by Uzorma Onungwa. Originally aired from 1986 to 1990 and filmed in Enugu, the series was inspired by African folklore and cleverly critiqued systemic corruption in Nigeria’s oil-rich economy. With an estimated 30 million viewers at its peak, Basi and Company remains one of the continent’s most widely watched comedies, having been syndicated across Africa.

Also on the list is Cock Crow at Dawn, a landmark family drama written by veteran broadcaster and filmmaker Peter Igho and directed by Matt Dadzie. Premiering in April 1980, the series ran for 104 episodes and starred some of Nigeria’s brightest talents of the time, including George Menta as Bello, Ene Oloja as Mama Bitrus, the late Sadiq Daba as their son Bitrus, and Tola Awobode as daughter Lare. The show tackled themes of rural development, education, and generational change.

Other anticipated remakes include the hugely popular The Masquerade, which aired from 1983 to 1993, and Koko Close, a sitcom that ran from the mid-1980s through the early 1990s. These shows, once staples of Nigerian living rooms, hold immense nostalgic and cultural value, and their return presents an opportunity to reconnect new generations with the storytelling roots of Nigerian television.

Pitch meetings for both remakes and new projects are set to commence ahead of production in 2025.

Why This Matters

If done right, this bold step by NTA could be a game-changer for Nigeria’s film and television industry. Not only does it signal a reinvestment in quality storytelling and national identity, but it also opens up a valuable platform for both veteran and emerging creatives to showcase their work on a scale few networks can offer. With 36 stations across the country and over 80 million free-to-air viewers, NTA holds the capacity to thrust new talents into the national spotlight, making talent breakouts and mainstream popularity more accessible than ever.

This move could birth a new generation of Nollywood stars and provide a more inclusive platform for discovering fresh voices. Reviving these classics reintroduces foundational narratives to a new generation, while original commissions create space for innovation. Together, they promise to bridge generational gaps, reinforce cultural pride, and strengthen the industry’s global appeal. For Nollywood, this could be the rebirth of broadcast relevance and a powerful alignment of legacy and future.

In Summary

Nigerian audiences are likely to respond with cautious optimism to NTA’s plans to remake its classics and commission new content. For years, the network has struggled to meet the changing tastes and expectations of viewers, even with its massive national reach. With streaming platforms and pay-TV channels like Africa Magic setting high standards for production quality and storytelling, NTA faces the challenge of regaining relevance in a fiercely competitive market. Success will depend on the network’s ability to attract top creative talent, modernize its production infrastructure, and remain consistent in delivering compelling content that resonates with today’s diverse and discerning audience.