Kunle Afolayan sets the record straight: “I never said Netflix is leaving Nigeria”

Acclaimed Nigerian filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has debunked claims suggesting he said Netflix is exiting Nigeria, clarifying that his remarks were taken out of context.

The director addressed the issue during a virtual interview with Channels Television on Friday, emphasising his continued partnership with the streaming platform.

“People can always pick things out of context and push whatever suits their narrative,” Afolayan stated.

He expressed concern over the misrepresentation of his comments, reiterating his position as both a beneficiary and key supplier of content to Netflix.

The confusion arose from Afolayan’s comments at the Zuma Film Festival, where he responded to a question posed by Nigerian film advocate Victor Okhai.

Reflecting on the interaction, Afolayan explained, “Dr. Okhai mentioned something about a supposed ‘last supper meal’ during a Netflix event in Nigeria. I wasn’t at that event because of my mother’s burial, so I’m not privy to whatever conversation must have happened there.”

Afolayan emphasized that his comments were a call to action for the Nigerian film industry to strengthen its local distribution platforms.

“What I said was a wake-up call for us as a country. Even if Netflix reduces its content volume or takes certain decisions, we should have our own robust platforms ready to fill any gaps,” he said.

Addressing Netflix’s evolving strategy, Afolayan revealed that the platform has adjusted its content production model.

“The last time Netflix was here, we had meetings, and they reassured us that they’re still committed to Nigeria. However, they might not produce the same volume of original content as before,” he explained.

The filmmaker emphasised that his intent was to inspire growth within Nigeria’s creative space, not to spark alarm.

“What I was saying is, even if Netflix doesn’t do as much as before, why can’t we build and expand our own distribution channels? That’s the real challenge we should be focusing on,” he said.

Afolayan further dismissed attempts to twist his words into negative narratives.

“If you watch the video, I never said Netflix is leaving Nigeria. What I said was a hypothetical wake-up call: if they were to leave, we need to prepare by developing our own structures,” he clarified.

Netflix has also reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria, issuing a statement that reads: “We will continue to invest in Nigerian stories to delight our members globally.”

With his groundbreaking projects like Anikulapo and The Rise of the Spectre, Afolayan remains one of Netflix’s leading collaborators in Nigeria.

“Netflix remains a key partner, but my message was about ensuring that our industry can stand strong on its own, no matter the circumstances.”