Despite rumors fueled by comments of Nigerian filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, Netflix has firmly denied reports that it is exiting the Nigerian market. Afolayan, speaking at the 2024 Zuma International Film Festival, claimed that Netflix had canceled several films it had previously commissioned, including some projects he was involved in. While Afolayan did not explicitly state that Netflix was leaving Nigeria, his comments fueled speculation, especially in light of Amazon Prime's exit from Nigeria in January 2024.

In response, Netflix reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria, stating that it will continue to invest in Nigerian content. The streaming giant acknowledged the challenges it faces in the country, such as rising inflation, currency devaluation, and strong competition from local services like Showmax, which offer more affordable pricing. Despite these pressures, Netflix has invested over $23 million into Nigeria’s film industry since 2016, supporting more than 250 local titles, co-productions, and original commissions, including major productions like Lionheart and The Wedding Party 2.

While Netflix has faced challenges in capturing a larger market share in Nigeria, it remains committed to its partnerships with Nigerian filmmakers, including a multi-film deal with Afolayan. However, the long-term strategy for the Nigerian market remains uncertain as the economic situation continues to affect consumer spending.