NTA, Others Sign Deal To Remake ‘Cock Crow At Dawn’

Nigerian Television Authority , (NTA) is collaborating with other industry players to remake ‘Cock Crow at Dawn’.

The collaboration will bring the much-loved television series back to primetime on the national broadcast station in 2026.

The exclusive co-production deal signed on October 6, 2025, will see NTA, Natives Filmworks, headed by Steve Gukas and Dimbo Atiya’s ITK collaborate to produce an initial 104 episodes of ‘Cock Crow At Dawn”.

“We are excited to return what was a much-loved series 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.

“Remaking ‘Cock Crow 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 bring them back to our service and boost ratings for our Network.

“I am confident we have found the right partners in Natives Filmworks and Innovative Television Kontent.

They both have produced riveting content and I am excited at what they bring to the table and what it means for this series,” added NTA’s Executive Director Programmes, Tari Taylaur.

Cock Crow at Dawn was one the most watched series on NTA and was responsible for the birth of television stars that included Sadiq Daba, Ene Oloja and George Menta.

The series was a must watch for a large number of Nigerian families. The remake, scheduled to begin filming in the second quarter of 2026 in Jos, Plateau State is expected to employ cutting edge film technology and targets both local and international distribution.

“We do realize the magnitude of the opportunity and are excited to deliver on it. Our remake of Cock Crow At Dawn, will be a game-changer for series productions in Nigeria, ”enthused ITK’s Dimbo Atiya. ITK has created over 6000 hours of captivating television series for DSTV and Netflix. These include; The AMVCA Best Original drama The Rishantes, Sons Of The

Caliphate, Halita, W.A.R – Wrath And Revenge and WINGS. They have also produced celebrated films which include Still Falling and Drawing Strength.

On his part, Steve Gukas said, “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 is an excellent chance for the industry to showcase how far it has come since the first run of the series in the 1980’s. We shall pull in the very best in all spheres of the industry to deliver on the promise this holds.

”Natives Filmworks, has been responsible for critically acclaimed films like 93 Days, A Place In The Stars, Living In Bondage: Breaking Free and most recently the edgy

First Features, first-time film directors slate for Amazon Prime.

The journey of the remake begins with creating a Writers Room and story workshop this October. The show, when completed, will air weekly on the NTA’s Network service.