Netflix, the global leader in video streaming services, has refuted rumors claiming it intends to exit Nigeria, reaffirming its commitment to the country’s growing creative sector. The company responded to the speculation on Wednesday through an email to The Punch.
Edafe Onoriode, the Group Account Director from Netflix’s public relations agency, Hill and Knowlton Strategies, shared the streaming service’s official stance, stating, “We are not exiting Nigeria. We will continue to invest in Nigerian stories to delight our members.”
The rumors arose following comments from prominent Nigerian filmmaker Kunle Afolayan in a viral video. Afolayan revealed that Netflix had reportedly canceled several commissioned projects, sparking concerns about the company’s future in the Nigerian market.
Afolayan recalled the excitement of signing a three-film deal with Netflix three years ago but expressed disappointment that, despite the global success of those films, Netflix seemed unhappy with their local returns. He added, “Thank God we had shot seasons two and three… because all the other people that were commissioned with us at the same time were canceled.”
