Global video streaming platform, Netflix, has denied reports suggesting that it plans on leaving Nigeria.
There have been speculations that the streaming giant might be leaving Nigeria.
This is coming after renowned Nigerian filmmaker Kunle Afolayan in a now-viral video, disclosed that Netflix had reportedly cancelled several commissioned projects.
He said that Netflix’s management had informed filmmakers during a recent party that they would no longer fund Nigerian movies.
“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.
However, responding to the speculation, Netflix reiterated its commitment to Nigeria’s burgeoning creative industry.
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,” Netflix spokesperson stated.
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.
