Netflix, the global streaming giant, has ceased commissioning, acquiring, and funding Nigerian original content as of November 2024.
This decision comes nearly two years after its main competitor, Amazon Prime Video, made a similar move in January 2024, reducing resources allocated to Africa and the Middle East to focus on European originals.
The news was revealed by Victor Ohai, president of the Directors Guild of Nigeria, during a panel discussion at the recent Zuma Film Festival in Abuja. Ohai lamented the impact of Netflix’s decision on the Nigerian film industry, particularly on filmmakers who have benefited from the platform’s support.
Since entering the African market in 2016 and the Nigerian market in 2020, Netflix has been a driving force behind some of the country’s most successful indigenous productions, such as King of Boys, Citation, Far From Home, Blood Sisters, Lionheart, Shanty Town, Anikulapo, and Oloture.
Kunle Afolayan, a prominent Nigerian filmmaker and frequent Netflix collaborator, highlighted the economic challenges that will arise from Netflix’s exit. He noted that the partnership provided filmmakers with financial stability, allowing them to focus on their craft while earning significant revenues in foreign currency.
Afolayan urged the government to invest in the industry, emphasizing the need for support in areas such as infrastructure, film villages, and renewable energy solutions. He also stressed the importance of establishing locally developed distribution platforms to reduce reliance on global platforms like YouTube, which may be subject to policy changes.
Sources suggest that Netflix’s decision to cut ties with Nigerian filmmakers is also due to the country’s dwindling economy and soaring data subscription rates, which have affected purchasing power and subscription numbers. In July 2024, Netflix increased its subscription rates in Nigeria by up to 40 percent across its various plans.