Netflix has denied that it is exiting Nigeria and has instead emphasized it’s commitment to investing in Nigerian stories.
Earlier, Kunle Afolayan, movie producer had said that the movie streaming platform had quietly left Nigeria eight years after it launched in the country.
Afolayan made this revelation while speaking at the 2024 Zuma Film Festival which took place in Abuja.
Afolayan said that Netflix had stopped commissioning new Nigerian originals and that unlike many of his colleagues, he was fortunate to have secured a third season for his hit series ‘Anikulapo’ before the platform made the decision.
He added that some of his colleagues were not that lucky as other Nollywood projects in development were cancelled.
He described their leaving as a big blow to the industry and also saw it as a wake-up call for the movie industry.
But the streaming platform in response to the frenzy that its supposed exit has created, denied that it was leaving Nigeria, insisting that it will continue to invest in Nigerian stories.“We are not exiting Nigeria. We will continue to invest in Nigerian stories to delight our members,” a spokesperson for Netflix reassured.
Over the years, the platform has played a pivotal role in showcasing Nollywood productions to a global audience, curating a diverse collection of local content that ranges from romantic comedies to hard-hitting dramas.The platform has also collaborated with local filmmakers, funding original productions which have gained international recognition.
This investment reinforced Netflix as a key player in Nigeria’s film and television scene, supporting both established and emerging talents in the industry.
