These producer-director duos in Nollywood have consistently brought out the best in each other.
By Joseph Jonathan
In filmmaking, producers and directors are the engine and the steering wheel: one powers the journey, the other decides where it goes. When these two forces sync, they don’t just create movies, they create memories. Behind many of Nollywood’s biggest hits and festival favourites are producer-director duos whose creative synergy keeps delivering time and again.
While directors often get the spotlight, it’s the producers who champion the vision, manage the chaos, and help transform stories from script to screen. And when the collaboration works, it becomes more than business, it becomes a creative bond that shapes genres, pushes boundaries, and births new cinematic standards.
From the stylish appeal of Mami Wata (2023) to the blockbuster scale of Jagun Jagun (2023) and the charm of This Lady Called Life (2020), these producer-director duos have consistently brought out the best in each other. In this listicle, Afrocritik spotlights 20 of Nollywood’s most prolific producer-director collaborations: each with at least three joint projects and a shared commitment to storytelling excellence.
Oge Obasi & C.J. “Fiery” Obasi
Ojuju (2014), O-Town (2015), Juju Stories (2021), Mami Wata (2023)
From Ojuju, C.J. “Fiery” Obasi’s daring zombie thriller debut, to Mami Wata, the monochrome fantasy that dazzled at Sundance, Oge Obasi has remained his constant collaborator and creative backbone. As producer, she’s helped bring Fiery’s bold vision to life, pushing genre boundaries in Nollywood’s arthouse cinema.
Femi Adebayo & Tope Adebayo
King of Thieves (2022), Jagun Jagun (2023), Seven Doors (2024)
Brothers and sons of veteran actor, Adebayo Salami, Femi and Tope have become a powerhouse duo in Yoruba epic cinema. Their high-octane tales of warriors, betrayal, and honour have captivated audiences and reinvigorated interest in indigenous storytelling.
Femi Adebayo & Adebayo Tijani
King of Thieves (2022), Jagun Jagun (2023), Seven Doors (2024)
Adebayo Tijani co-directed the same trio of epics alongside Tope Adebayo, working with Femi Adebayo as the lead producer. Together, they’ve crafted commercially successful and culturally rooted blockbusters that are defining a new Nollywood era of spectacle.
Chinaza Onuzo & Niyi Akinmolayan
The Arbitration (2016), The Set Up (2019), Palava! (2022)
Co-founder of Inkblot Productions, Chinaza Onuzo has been instrumental in shaping Niyi Akinmolayan’s polished, plot-driven dramas and comedies. Their collaborations balance star power with narrative intrigue, showcasing Nollywood’s evolving middle-class genre.
Isioma Osaje & Tope Oshin
New Money (2018), Castle & Castle (2018), Up North (2018)
In 2018, this duo delivered three distinct projects ranging from feature film to TV series, all anchored in modern Nigerian life. Osaje’s production instincts and Tope Oshin’s storytelling finesse proved a powerful combo for contemporary, emotionally resonant tales.
Darlington Abuda & Toka McBaror
Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons (2018), Made in Heaven (2019), Akpe: Return of the Beast (2020), Swapped (2020), Bitter Rain (2021), Almajiri (2022), The Waiter (2024)
One of the most consistent collaborations in commercial Nollywood, Abuda and McBaror specialise in action-packed, morality-tinged films often centered on redemption, corruption, and spiritual themes. Their high volume of work reflects a trust built on speed and delivery.
Isioma Osaje & Niyi Akinmolayan
Castle & Castle (2018), The Set Up (2019), Chief Daddy 2: Going for Broke (2022).
Both seasoned players in Nigeria’s film industry, Osaje and Akinmolayan have collaborated across formats — from TV legal dramas to feature-length thrillers and ensemble comedies — blending audience appeal with high production quality.
Darlington Abuda & Umanu Elijah
Prevail (2021), Kylie’s Quest (2021), Edge of Time (2022), The Bait (2022), Ball Game (2022), Safe (2024).
This producer-director duo leans into faith-based and social-issue-driven storytelling, often merging drama with moral lessons. Their sustained output points to a shared commitment to value-laden content in Nollywood.
Chichi Nworah & Adeoluwa Owu
Camouflage (2020), Ex with Benefits (2021), The Hot Donor (2021).
With a flair for romantic dramedies and emotionally charged narratives, Nworah and Owu have quietly built a repertoire of relatable, urban-centred stories that speak to love, desire, and the dilemma of modern living.
Darlington Abuda & Robert Peters
30 Days in Atlanta (2014), A Trip to Jamaica (2016), Christmas in Miami (2021).
The duo behind some of AY’s most successful comedy blockbusters, Abuda and Peters have proven that Nigerian comedy can cross borders, gross big, and still remain proudly Naija. Their films are often box-office gold.
Abdul Tijani-Ahmed & Michael Akinrogunde
Ricordi (2021), Dear Diane (2024), Where the Heck Is My Period? (2024).
Focused on emotional depth and social themes, this duo is part of a new generation of Nollywood storytellers unafraid to tackle what some might consider taboo subjects like menstruation and grief, with honesty and artistic flair.
Darlington Abuda & Moses Inwang
Merry Men 2 (2019), Bad Comments (2020), Merry Men 3: Nemesis (2023).
From franchise films to issue-driven drama, Abuda and Inwang strike a balance between popcorn entertainment and social critique, especially with Bad Comments, which is a necessary take on cyberbullying and reputation.
Blessing Obasi-Nze & Biodun Stephen
Binta Kolonko (2018), Poor-ish (2021), Pain and Beyond (2022), Helpmate (2023).
As both actor and producer, Obasi-Nze brings emotional nuance to Stephen’s character-led storytelling. Their collaboration often centers on women navigating societal and domestic pressures with grace and grit.
Abisola Yussuff & Kayode Kasum
Oga Bolaji (2018), This Lady Called Life (2020), Dwindle (2021).
Kasum’s vibrant visual style pairs well with Yussuf’s sensitivity to grounded stories. Their work shines in character-rich narratives that explore everyday Nigerian life with humour and hope.
Blessing Obasi-Nze & Great Valentine Edochie
The Debt (2021), Perfect Deal (2022), Not My Will (2022), The Tenant (2022), Finding Me (2022),
This collaboration explores social realism through tightly written, often emotional stories. Edochie’s direction elevates Obasi-Nze’s producing choices, giving their films a personable, reflective quality.
Titi Joseph & Shittu Taiwo
Fading (2019), Unplanned (2021), Truly Deeply Madly (2023).
Rooted in family, faith, and forgiveness, this partnership creates emotionally charged dramas that explore the highs and lows of love, loss, and destiny.
Susan Jimah & Okey Ifeanyi
Sharon’s Call (2020), In the End (2021), Ludicrous (2022).
Jimah and Ifeanyi operate within a space that blends suspense, moral dilemmas, and spiritual consequences. Their consistent style of work speaks to a shared creative rhythm and trust.
Taiwo Adebayo & Great Valentine Edochie
Room Hate (2020), Dear Molly (2022), The Meddler (2022), Lace and Button (2022), Attribution (2023), The One Who Got Away (2023), Special Assistant (2023), Beautiful Scar (2023).
This is one of the most prolific partnerships on this list. Their extensive filmography, which is often centered around emotional healing and personal growth, reflects a deep working relationship and an impressive work ethic.
Susan Jimah & Francisca Eleyele
The Perfect Guy (2022), Troublemaker’s Bodyguard (2023), Miss Suspicion (2024).
Together, they’ve built a catalogue of light-hearted, feel-good romcoms and dramas that provide escapism while subtly tackling relational and social dynamics.
Taiwo Adebayo & Biodun Stephen
A Night Before (2019), Different Strokes (2023), Omoge Suzzy (2024), Aso Ebi Diaries (2025).
Adebayo and Stephen blend warm humour with emotional storytelling, often drawing from relatable, everyday Nigerian experiences. Their work is a celebration of culture, character, and community.
Honourable Mentions
- Isioma Osaje & Chinaza Onuzo – Who’s the Boss (2020), The Set Up 2 (2022)
- Isioma Osaje & Kayode Kasum – Quamʼs Money (2020), Far From Home (2022)
- Toyin Abraham & Biodun Stephen – Seven and a Half Dates (2018), ÌGÈ – the unlikely oil merchant (2023)
- Toyin Abraham & Adebayo Tijani – Ijakumo: The Born Again Stripper (2022), Alakada: Bad and Boujee (2024)
- Ayo Makun & Robert Peters – 30 Days in Atlanta (2014), A Trip to Jamaica (2016)
- Darlington Abuda & Jide ‘JBlaze’ Oyegbile – All or Nothing (2022), The Stand Up (2022)
- Zulumoke Oyibo & Niyi Akinmolayan – The Arbitration (2016), Palava! (2022)
- Chichi Nworah & Billion Obi – Adaife (2019), Tough Love (2021)
- Chichi Nworah & Dimeji Ajibola – Shanty Town (2023), Slum King (2023)
- Temilola Adebayo & Kayode Kasum – Dognapped (2017), Love is Yellow (2020)
- Adaora Udeh & God’spower Okoh – Blue (2020), Tree (2022)
- Adaora Udeh & Paul Utomi – The Way We Were (2024), Mumu Man (2024)
- Blessing Obasi-Nze & Emmanuel Akaemeh – Mercy (2023), Silent Storm (2023)
- Titi Joseph & Chibuike Ibe – The Best Worst Love Story Ever Told (2023), I Love You Regardless (2024)
- Susan Jimah & Biodun Stephen – Hell Cat (2019), Bamikale (2023)
- Susan Jimah & John Njamah – Black Dove (2021), Daisy’s Ordeal (2024)
- Taiwo Adebayo & Patience Oghre – True Betrayal (2019), More Than Just 4 Letters (2019)
- Taiwo Adebayo & Tope Alake – Scars (2018), Daluchi (2021)
Joseph Jonathan is a historian who seeks to understand how film shapes our cultural identity as a people. He believes that history is more about the future than the past. When he’s not writing about film, you can catch him listening to music or discussing politics. He tweets @JosieJp3.