Netflix has dismissed rumors about leaving Nigeria, reaffirming its dedication to the country’s creative industry. Speculations about the streaming giant’s potential exit began circulating, but the company has set the record straight.
Kunle Afolayan, a renowned filmmaker, recently commented on his partnership with Netflix, recalling the excitement when a three-film deal was signed. While the global success of the projects was undeniable, Afolayan noted Netflix’s concerns about local returns. “Thank God we had shot seasons two and three,” he said, adding, “Others commissioned at the same time as us were canceled.”
In response to the rumors, Netflix’s public relations team issued a statement clarifying its stance. Edafe Onoriode, Group Account Director at Hill and Knowlton Strategies, emphasized: “We are not exiting Nigeria. We will continue to invest in Nigerian stories to delight our members.”
Since entering the Nigerian market in 2016, Netflix has built a strong connection with Nollywood. The collaboration began with acquiring rights to popular Nigerian films and expanded to include original productions like Genevieve Nnaji’s Lionheart, the first Nigerian Netflix original.
By continuing to champion local storytelling, Netflix has cemented its role as a key player in Nigeria’s vibrant entertainment landscape.
