Popular comedian and filmmaker AY Makun has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Netflix’s struggles in Nigeria, addressing claims that the streaming giant is halting Nigerian content production.
In a recent interview with Nollywood on Radio, AY clarified that Netflix is not leaving Nigeria but is instead re-strategizing due to financial concerns. He highlighted that the platform’s spending in Nigeria far outweighs its earnings, making it necessary for Netflix to reevaluate its business approach.
According to AY, the issue goes beyond filmmakers—it’s tied to the way Nigerians access the platform. He pointed out that with a population of over 200 million, Nigeria has only around 300,000 Netflix subscribers.
There’s a leakage somewhere that needs to be corrected
AY explained.
You would see a person with a Netflix subscription sharing with several people. That’s the problem. It’s not just about the filmmakers; it has to do with us as Nigerians.
The filmmaker believes that subscription sharing and low individual subscriptions are key reasons Netflix struggles to turn a profit in Nigeria. Despite the challenges, AY revealed he’s in talks with Netflix for upcoming projects and emphasized that the streaming service is committed to the Nigerian market—just with a revised strategy.
“If you’re doing business in a region and you’re spending more than you’re making, you’d want to re-strategize. That’s what’s going on with their system and structure,” he noted.
The conversation comes after filmmaker Kunle Afolayan sparked concern by claiming Netflix had stopped commissioning Nigerian originals. However, AY’s insight paints a clearer picture: Netflix isn’t leaving, but structural issues, including subscription practices, must be addressed for the platform to thrive in Nigeria.
With streaming platforms becoming a major player in Nollywood’s growth, AY’s call for a fix to the ‘subscription leakage’ highlights the shared responsibility among filmmakers, audiences, and streaming platforms in ensuring sustainable progress.
