Renowned comedian and filmmaker Ayo Makun, popularly known as AY, has achieved another significant milestone with his latest movie, The Waiter, grossing over ₦218 million at the Nigerian box office.
This remarkable feat was announced by Nile Media Entertainment on their official Instagram page, where they celebrated the movie’s success and its growing popularity. The Waiter has become AY’s fourth film to surpass this impressive box office milestone, solidifying his position as one of Nollywood’s most successful filmmakers.
In their post, Nile Media Entertainment emphasized the movie’s widespread appeal across different audiences. “The Waiter surpasses ₦218M at the Nigerian box office. Congratulations to @aycomedian on this outstanding achievement.
This success highlights the film’s broad appeal and resonance among Nigerians in Nigeria, the diaspora, and other international audiences alike,” the post read. Such achievements reflect the growing global influence of Nollywood, with AY as a key figure in driving its expansion.
In addition to celebrating its domestic success, Nile Media Entertainment also revealed the international release schedule for The Waiter. The film is set to debut in Francophone Africa on January 10th, followed by Ireland and the UK on January 17th, and finally, Canada and the US on January 24th.
These dates mark an exciting phase for the movie, as it prepares to reach audiences far beyond its Nigerian roots, offering them a blend of humor and insight into the country’s vibrant culture and challenges.

The Waiter, an action-comedy produced by Corporate World Entertainment, skillfully combines lighthearted entertainment with a deeper exploration of Nigeria’s socio-political landscape. The story follows a waiter who unexpectedly becomes entangled in a dramatic hotel invasion, navigating through chaos with wit and resilience.
Directed by the talented Toka McBaror, the movie boasts a star-studded cast, including Ayo Makun himself, alongside Deyemi Okanlawon, Regina Daniels, Rahama Sadau, Brain Jotter, William Uchemba, and Shaffy Bello.
AY’s influence on the Nigerian entertainment scene cannot be overstated. Since his debut film, 30 Days in Atlanta, which became one of Nollywood’s highest-grossing films in 2014, he has consistently delivered box office hits.
His subsequent films, A Trip to Jamaica in 2016 and Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons in 2018, further cemented his reputation as a filmmaker with an eye for captivating stories and crowd-pleasing narratives. Each of these films has not only entertained audiences but also contributed to elevating Nollywood’s global profile.
With The Waiter now joining the ranks of AY’s box office successes, his impact on Nollywood continues to grow. The movie’s blend of comedy, action, and social commentary reflects AY’s unique ability to craft stories that resonate with diverse audiences.
As The Waiter prepares to make its international debut, it stands as another testament to AY’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of Nigerian cinema and showcasing its potential on a global stage.