Amazon Prime Video is expanding its production in Nigeria, following a recent change in the service that allows Nigerian subscribers to sign up for the streaming service in the local currency.

The streamer has ordered a local adaptation of its comedy format LOL and crime thriller feature Gangs of Lagos. Both are expected to premiere globally in 2023.

LOL: Last One Laughing Naija will be hosted by popular regional comedian Basketmouth and will pit a group of 10 famous Nigerian comedians compete against one another to see who will win by keeping a straight face, while trying to make their opponents laugh and lose. It will be filmed and produced in Nigeria, by local production company Livespot360.

Amazon has had a great deal of success with its regionalized versions of the LOL format, and adaptations are currently streaming in Japan, Mexico, Brazil, Australia, India, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain.

The company describes Gangs of Lagos as a "high-stakes and hard-hitting action crime-thriller," which tells the story of a group of friends navigating their life and ascent into adulthood on the bustling streets and neighborhood of Isale Eko, Lagos.

The film will star Tobi Bakre, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, and Chiké, and is directed and produced by Jade Osiberu, who helmed Nigerian 2019 action comedy Sugar Rush,  It will be co- produced by Kemi Lala Akindoju and Akin Omotoso.

"We know our customers want to see locally relevant faces, places, and stories alongside our global content on Prime Video," said Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, head of Nigerian originals, Prime Video, in a statement. "These local Amazon originals, Gangs of Lagos and LOL: Last One Laughing Naija, will complement our growing selection of Nollywood and African series and movies."

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