10 classic Nigerian TV adverts with memorable storylines

By Jimmy

There are some Nigerian TV adverts that just live rent-free in your head, thanks to brilliant and memorable storylines that helped form a core memory. Years after watching them, you still randomly remember them and can talk about them with your friends.

These Nigerian commercials have passed the test of time. Even years after the campaign ran, they are still as relatable as they used to be when they were originally created. In fact, you cannot see the product without the images and lines from the advert springing to your head.

From Guinness to Panadol, MTN, Indomie, and Baba Blue, the adverts used storytelling to capture an audience as well as ingrain the commercials in our memory.

In this article, we will look at 10 Nigerian TV adverts with memorable storylines, the year they were created, and the memorable parts of the commercials that we still remember today.

I Wish – Skye Bank

Skye Bank customers must have been feeling fly when this came out. A touching, motivational song about investing and making better financial decisions, this jingle was melodious and easy on the ears.

Unfortunately, by 2018, CBN had revoked Skye Bank’s banking license and delisted them, and they now go by Polaris Bank. So even though the bank said they were there to say yes to our dreams, the song now feels like their cry for help (I wish, I had someone, saying yes, to my needs).

Mama Do Good – Indomie

Indomie launched the Mama Do Good campaign in 2010 with a jingle so good that if they remade it in 2023, millennials would still eat it up alongside the noodles.

In a campaign to display the mother-child bond, Little Miss Do Good asks why they’re the Do Goods. In response, Mama Do Good extends love to all the children in the market. They all hail her as she shares plates of the instant noodles she prepared. It was such a fantastic feast that they surprised her with a sing-and-repeat song: “Mama too good o (she too good). She cook us Indomie (Indomie). Indomie good well well (Indomie).”

Unfortunately, that was then, as Mama Do Good dares not try that in this current economy, thanks to the crazy price of Indomie carton.

SEE: From Lipgloss boy to breaking grounds-10 major achievements of Enioluwa

Don’t Do It – Royco

If you were there when Royco was the baddie of seasoning cubes, you need to explain why you’re not married with at least three kids.

This advert opens with a man who ignores his wife welcoming him back from work for reasons unknown to us and her. A very patient woman, she offers him juice, which he refuses, and then the gods of seasoning minister to her to go into the kitchen to whip up a meal with Royco seasoning.

And it works. The man is on the verge of storming out with his unexplained anger when the aroma from the kitchen stops him, and he takes him to a seat at the dining table. He shamelessly smiles at the sight of food — the feast his wife labored to make just to please his lordship, and we learn that food is indeed the only way to a man’s heart.

Then, years later, we learn that the woman is the mother of Tems. Guess they be cooking different things.

Sky – Guinness

This Nigerian TV advert is memorable from the first words of its storyline, “My friend Udeme is a great man.” The inspiring African epic — the story of Udeme, a delivery service worker with dreams of flying planes — captured the country’s attention. Udeme flew across Africa, delivering goods and mail. He even had a stopover to eat and chat, “And at the end of the day, friendly lights guide him home to have some chilled bottles of Guinness with his friends.”

With that great line and others like: “And so we gather at the bar… Let the beer see the sky, he says…” and “My friend is a great man, but then, there’s a drop of greatness in every man”, this ad remains an inspirational classic. Get a jet by any means, fly, and drink alcohol.

Ooh Jerry (Sunrise) – MTN

Back in the days when mobile phones started to become a thing, airtime was gold, so many people had to find a way to spend less to talk to people they wanted to. MTN back then chose to give its users MTN XtraCool – a plan that helps users talk to their loved ones all night – and this advert did really well to pass the message.

Ooh Jerry followed the story of two lovers talking all night long on the phone. In a romantic gesture, the male (Jerry) asked the female to go outside for a surprise and showed her the sunrise.

It was relatable because the prepaid plan was tailored specifically for youths, and the advert used that story to pass that message, using the scenario of two lovers talking on the phone all night long.

As much as the plan was for the audience to know that they could talk for as long as they wanted on MTN XtraCool, the romantic gesture in the commercial stuck more and got the desired effect.

READ: Top 7 must-watch Black American movies: A cinematic journey through culture and history

I Don Port – MTN

It was such a moment when MTN unexpectedly hit us with the I Don Port advert that featured Nollywood actor and comedian, Saka. Saka being the face of MTN Port was also a double entendre, as he was an Etisalat ambassador before MTN pouched him. Saka ceremoniously performs the popular jingle written by Nigerian creative director, Chuka Obi.

The subtle message is: Don’t stay stagnant. Go where the grass is greener if it’s beneficial. MTN really knows how to make Nigerian TV adverts with memorable storylines.

Papilo, one day I know say you go make us proud – Peak Milk

When life was easier and the dream of becoming a footballer was all the average Nigerian child had, this Nwankwo Kanu advert was a huge motivation.

A young Kanu is so in tune with his football that one day, he applies his skill to save a Peak milk tin from hitting the ground, to the amazement of the milk seller. Then she delivers the classic line: “Papilo, I know say one day, you go make us proud.”

Decades later, he did make his community proud. Papilo returns home a football champion, and reminds his mum who he is with the same milk-saving stunt he showed the milk seller. The message: Don’t give up on your dreams.

Kanu & Son – Peak Milk

Kanu Nwankwo makes another return to the TV commercial scene, once again with Peak Milk. At the time, Peak Milk had a deal with the Nigerian footballer and seemed intent on milking that leverage as best as they could (pun intended).

In this TV advert, Kanu is with his son, who beams with pride as he goes through an album of his father’s iconic football moments. In his response to the boy’s commentary, Kanu shares the heart disease story that almost killed him and his football dream. Even though medical care and rest were what he needed, he said he was “de-tah-meened” and kept working harder. You can overcome life’s biggest challenges with determination, and apparently, that’s what worked for Kanu.

For you, though, it’s not advisable to play with your health like it’s football. Keep your health intact while chasing your dreams. Remember all Nigerian doctors have almost japa.

SEE: Why are doctors leaving Nigeria? Confronting the medical brain drain

Baba Blue, thank you. I no go do am again – Baba Blue

This funny advert took place in a local magistrate court of law. While the defendant’s lawyer was addressing his Lord, sore throat began to worry him, prompting a Blue Vicks cough mint seller — who just happens to be in court that day — to give the lawyer one Baba Blue (can you believe it sold two for ₦5?). Immediately, he licked it, he regained his voice and spoke for his client.

The seller then reminds us that proper preparation prevents poor performance. And thanks to the Baba Blue mint sweet, the magistrate “discharged and acquitted” the defendant. Then the latter ruined it by shouting, “Baba Blue, thank you o. I no go do am again.”

Oga Na Master – Panadol Extra

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and that is what sets this TV commercial apart; the ability to tell a story without saying any word. This musical commercial follows the story of a man who leads a group of workers. He was a diligent worker who did what was right with respect to his fellow workers, then ‘strong strong headache’ started to affect his productivity.

As serious as the message in this TV commercial is, the writers were still able to infuse some elements in it for entertainment, while making the ‘Oga Na Master’ line one of the greatest Nigerian TV adverts with memorable storylines.