By Habeeb Ibrahim
In response to speculation about its departure from Nigeria, Netflix has refuted the claims, emphasizing its continued dedication to the Nigerian market and its creatives. Speaking to TechCabal on Wednesday, a company representative stated, “We are not exiting Nigeria. We will continue to invest in Nigerian stories to delight our audience.”
Nevertheless, Netflix has yet to comment on allegations made by filmmaker Kunle Afolayan about canceled Nollywood projects, a development highlighted by TechCabal.
At the 2024 Zuma Film Festival, Afolayan disclosed that Netflix had stopped commissioning new Nigerian originals and had canceled ongoing projects. This development has raised concerns about the company’s operations in Nigeria amidst economic challenges such as rising inflation and currency devaluation, which have affected consumer spending.
Netflix, which began operating in Nigeria in 2016, has played a significant role in showcasing Nollywood films globally, with projects like Blood Sisters and Anikulapo receiving international recognition. However, industry observers note challenges with Netflix’s pricing model and limited local partnerships, which have affected its competitiveness in the Nigerian market.
Some filmmakers have also expressed concerns about Netflix’s strategy, pointing to disparities in content distribution. While films like Anikulapo achieved global success, others, such as Niyi Akinmolayan’s Lisabi: The Uprising, were restricted to African audiences.
Local streaming platforms, including Showmax, have continued to expand their presence in the Nigerian market, leveraging affordable pricing and partnerships to appeal to a broader audience.
Netflix has not issued additional statements addressing the claims of halted projects or its broader strategy for the Nigerian market. Industry stakeholders remain attentive to further developments, as discussions about the future of the platform in Nigeria continue.
