Nollywood has been dealt a significant blow as Netflix announces the end of its Nigerian Originals production. According to Nollywood Wire, the streaming giant discreetly informed collaborators in November 2024, signaling a sharp reduction in acquiring Nigerian content.
Although Netflix has yet to issue an official statement, industry speculation points to Nigeria’s unstable exchange rates, soaring inflation, and overall economic instability as key reasons behind the decision. Additionally, low subscriber numbers—attributed to high subscription costs, limited internet access, and expensive data—may have further influenced the move.
Netflix’s exit mirrors a similar decision by Amazon Prime Video earlier this year. In January 2024, Prime Video halted local content production in Africa, redirecting its focus to the European market.
For Nigerian audiences, these departures mean reduced access to globally recognized platforms that boost Nollywood’s visibility. For creators, it signals the loss of a vital avenue to showcase talent internationally. Netflix’s presence also set high standards for production quality, leaving Nollywood’s progress toward improved industry benchmarks at risk.
This development underscores the challenges streaming platforms face in economically volatile regions and raises questions about the future of local content in a globalized streaming landscape.
