Netflix has denied rumors suggesting that it plans to exit Nigeria, amidst growing speculation regarding its future in the country.
The rumors gained traction following comments by Nigerian filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, who claimed in a viral video that Netflix had cancelled several commissioned projects.
Afolayan, reflecting on the partnership with Netflix, shared his initial excitement about the three-film deal signed three years ago. He expressed disappointment that, despite the global success of those films, Netflix seemed unsatisfied with the returns from the local market.
“Three years ago, when we signed the three-film deal with Netflix, it was really exciting,” Afolayan said. “Thank God we had shot seasons two and three… because all the other people that were commissioned with us at the same time were cancelled,” he added.
In response to the speculation, Netflix reiterated its commitment to the Nigerian market in an email sent to Punch by Edafe Onoriode, the Group Account Director at Hill and Knowlton Strategies, Netflix’s public relations agency. The statement clarified: “We are not exiting Nigeria. We will continue to invest in Nigerian stories to delight our members.”
Netflix has maintained a significant presence in Nigeria since 2016, establishing a strong partnership with Nollywood. Initially, this collaboration involved acquiring the distribution rights for popular Nigerian films, but it has since expanded to include the production of original content. One of the highlights of this partnership was Lionheart, the first Nigerian Netflix original, produced by renowned actress Genevieve Nnaji.
The company’s continued investment in Nigeria underscores its commitment to the country’s growing creative industry, despite recent challenges faced in the market.
