NTA, Natives Filmworks and Innovative Television Kontent Sign Deal To Remake Cock Crow At Dawn
The Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Natives Filmworks, and Innovative Television Kontent (ITK) have officially entered into an exclusive co-production agreement to remake the iconic Nigerian television series, Cockcrow at Dawn. The collaboration will bring the much-loved series back to primetime on the national broadcaster in 2026.
The agreement, signed on October 2, 2025, marks a major milestone in Nigerian television history. The partnership brings together three powerhouses NTA, led by Director-General Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos; Natives Filmworks, helmed by Steve Gukas; and Dimbo Atiya’s ITK to produce an initial 104 episodes of Cockcrow at Dawn.
Speaking at the signing, Mr. Dembos described the project as a defining moment for Nigerian broadcast storytelling:
“We are excited to bring what was a much-loved series back to our screens. The timing couldn’t be better, given the Federal Government’s push to increase interest and participation in agriculture. It feels almost like a 360 moment when you think of the conditions that birthed the show in the first place,” said Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos, the Director-General of NTA.
Echoing his sentiments, Steve Gukas, CEO of Natives Filmworks, expressed pride and anticipation for what this revival represents for the industry:
“We are incredibly proud of the opportunity to partner with NTA on this series that is frankly, a national treasure. We are well aware of the weight of responsibility this holds. It’s a wonderful chance for the industry to showcase how far it has come since the first run of the series in the 1980s. We shall pull in the very best in all spheres of the industry to deliver on the promise this holds,” -Steve Gukas.
Also speaking on behalf of NTA, Tari Taylaur, Executive Director, Programmes, highlighted the broadcaster’s renewed focus on heritage storytelling:
“Remaking Cockcrow at Dawn is the first in our determination to bring back gems in our catalogue that we believe will resonate with today’s audiences. It is part of our efforts to boost engagement and ratings for our network. I am confident we have found the right partners in Natives Filmworks and ITK, who have both consistently delivered riveting, world-class content,”.
For Dimbo Atiya, Founder of ITK, the project represents a defining opportunity to push the boundaries of series production in Nigeria:
“We realise the magnitude of the opportunity and are excited to deliver on it. Our remake of Cockcrow at Dawn will be a game-changer for television storytelling in Nigeria,” -Dimbo Atiya.
First aired in the late 1970s, Cockcrow at Dawn was one of Nigeria’s most beloved television series, known for its memorable characters and socially conscious storytelling. The original series launched the careers of television icons such as Sadiq Daba, Ene Oloja, and George Menta, and became a weekly staple in households across the country.
The remake set to begin filming in Jos, Plateau State in the second quarter of 2026 will employ cutting-edge film technology and aims to reach both local and international audiences.
The journey begins this October with the creation of a writers’ room and story development workshop, where the new adaptation will take shape before moving into full production.
ITK, known for creating over 6,000 hours of television content for DSTV and Netflix, has produced hits such as The Rishantes, Sons of the Caliphate, Halita, W.A.R – Wrath and Revenge, and Wings.
Natives Filmworks, on the other hand, has built a reputation for producing some of Nigeria’s most critically acclaimed films, including 93 Days, A Place in the Stars, Living in Bondage: Breaking Free, and First Features the Amazon Prime supported slate that empowers first-time directors.
Together, the three partners aim to deliver a remake that honours the legacy of Cockcrow at Dawn while resonating powerfully with a new generation.
