A steep increase in Netflix subscription rates has triggered a growing shift among Nigerian users toward illegal streaming platforms, raising alarm within the country’s entertainment industry.
Earlier this month, Netflix revised the cost of its premium plan in Nigeria to ₦8,500 per month, citing operational adjustments. But for many Nigerians facing economic hardship, the hike proved unaffordable, prompting cancellations and migration to pirated content platforms like Movie Box.
Digital media analytics firm SHOCKNG reports a significant rise in subscription downgrades and account deactivations since the new pricing took effect.
“I cancelled my subscription immediately,” said Amaka I., a Lagos resident and former Netflix user. “It’s not that I support piracy, but the economy is tough. I still want to watch movies, and free sites are the only option left.”
The trend has reignited debate over the accessibility of digital content and entertainment in Nigeria, particularly as inflation and currency depreciation continue to reduce consumers’ spending power.
Industry professionals warn the consequences could be severe. A Nollywood producer, who asked to remain anonymous, said that piracy is already eroding profits and threatening future investments.
“Pirated streaming hurts everyone involved in making films—actors, crew, writers, directors. Without fair revenue, we can’t fund new projects,” the producer said.
Netflix has been instrumental in showcasing Nigerian stories to global audiences, helping elevate local productions through licensing deals and original content partnerships. However, industry observers fear that progress could be reversed if more viewers turn to piracy due to rising subscription costs.
Several stakeholders have called for a review of pricing models that would better reflect the economic realities of Nigeria’s growing but price-sensitive digital audience. Proposed solutions include introducing locally focused, lower-cost plans, bundling access to Nollywood titles at reduced rates, and stricter anti-piracy enforcement by authorities.
“The government and service providers must find a middle ground,” said digital rights advocate Dayo Olatunji. “If nothing changes, both legal platforms and content creators will continue to lose ground.”
As the streaming landscape evolves, the central question remains: Can Nigeria’s film industry and digital economy grow sustainably if the average viewer can no longer afford to pay for content?