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International movie streaming platform Netflix has exited Nigeria eight years after it launched in 2016, but it has been kept away from the public while major stakeholders in the Nollywood movie industry were aware.
According to Nollywood Wire, Netflix exited Nigeria in November 2024, ending the financial support streaming platforms provided for the production of Nigerian content.
Netflix was said to have quietly called their frequent collaborators and told them the sad news that they would be cutting back on acquiring Nigerian content. However, the reason as to Netflix’s action is yet to be known as the platform is yet to provide an official statement.
Gurutrends.com.ng recalls reporting that Nigerian movies like Kunle Afolayan’s Anikulapo gained international recognition on Netflix after its release.
Kunle Afolayan speaks on Netflix’s exit
The renowned Nigerian filmmaker, speaking at the 2024 Zuma Film Festival, confirmed that Netflix had stopped commissioning new Nigerian Originals. Afolayan disclosed that unlike many of his colleagues, he was fortunate to have secured a third season for his hit series Anikulapo before the platform made the decision.
He revealed some of his colleagues were not that lucky as other Nollywood projects in development were cancelled. Afolayan, who described it as a big blow to the industry, also saw it as a wake-up call for the movie industry. Watch video of Kunle Afolayan speaking about Netflix’s exit.