Global leader in video streaming services, Netflix, has dismissed reports suggesting it plans to exit Nigeria, reiterating its commitment to the country’s burgeoning creative industry.
The streaming giant responded to the speculation on Wednesday in an email to The PUNCH.
The Group Account Director, Edafe Onoriode, from Netflix’s public relations agency, Hill and Knowlton Strategies, shared the company’s official position:
“We are not exiting Nigeria. We will continue to invest in Nigerian stories to delight our members,” a Netflix spokesperson stated.
The rumours emerged following comments by renowned Nigerian filmmaker Kunle Afolayan in a now-viral video, where he disclosed that Netflix had reportedly cancelled several commissioned projects.
Afolayan’s remarks ignited concerns about the streaming giant’s long-term plans in the Nigerian market.
“Three years ago, when we signed the three-film deal with Netflix, it was really exciting,” Afolayan said.
He expressed disappointment that, despite the global success of those films, Netflix appeared dissatisfied with their local returns.
“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.
Netflix has established a significant partnership with Nollywood, enhancing its presence in Nigeria since 2016.
This collaboration began with the acquisition of distribution rights for popular films and culminated in the production of original content, such as Genevieve Nnaji’s Lionheart, the first Nigerian Netflix original.
Last year, London-based research firm Omdia revealed that Nigeria accounts for just 10.5 per cent of Netflix’s African subscriber base, while South Africa dominates with a commanding 73.3 per cent.
Across the continent, Netflix’s expansion has been measured, with the platform reporting 1.6 million subscribers in Africa after six years of operation. Looking ahead, subscriptions are expected to rise to 2.2 million in the next five years, the firm projected.