Netflix Responds to Claims of Exiting Nigeria, Clears the Air

Netflix has officially responded to growing reports that it is withdrawing from the Nigerian movie industry. The global streaming platform, which has significantly invested in African content, was recently at the center of a viral controversy following filmmaker Kunle Afolayan’s comments about the company allegedly canceling several commissioned projects.

In a statement issued by Netflix’s public relations agency, Hill and Knowlton Strategies, Group Account Director Edafe Onoriode addressed the speculations. The statement, reported by PUNCH, reiterated Netflix’s ongoing commitment to Nigeria and the broader African creative industry. “We are not exiting Nigeria. We will continue to invest in Nigerian stories to delight our members,” the Netflix spokesperson declared.

The confusion arose after Afolayan, renowned for films like Anikulapo, revealed in a video that Netflix had reportedly canceled a number of commissioned projects, leaving many in the industry concerned about the platform’s future in the country. Afolayan mentioned that he was fortunate enough to have produced his own projects before the cancellations took place.

Despite Netflix’s denial, reactions from Nigerian viewers have been mixed. Some users expressed confusion about which version of events to trust, while others speculated about the platform’s reasons for allegedly pulling back from local content production. Social media comments reflected varying opinions:

• “Which news we wan believe now?” asked one user, questioning the conflicting reports.
• “If they leave, it’s their loss,” said another, emphasizing the potential impact of Netflix’s exit.
• Some viewers even suggested that Netflix’s withdrawal might open up opportunities for local streaming platforms to thrive in Nigeria’s burgeoning film industry.

Amid this debate, Anikulapo—one of Afolayan’s most recent projects—has garnered international success. The film ranked No. 1 globally on Netflix, becoming the most-viewed non-English original on the platform, with millions of views shortly after its release. This success highlights the growing global interest in Nigerian cinema, further complicating the situation as fans and industry insiders alike await clearer answers.

While Netflix’s official stance remains focused on continued support for Nigeria’s creative community, the ongoing discussion signals a significant moment for Nollywood and the streaming industry at large. Fans and industry professionals continue to monitor the situation closely as the future of local content investment remains uncertain.

As Netflix reassures viewers of its intentions, only time will tell if the platform’s commitment to Nigerian stories will translate into lasting investment or if this is merely the beginning of a shift in focus.