Cash-strapped Nigerians Turn To Youtube For Entertainment

Love in Every Word, a movie by Nigerian filmmaker Omoni Oboli, racked up over 20 million views on YouTube in the first three months of this year, like many Nollywood productions.

It points to a shifting pattern as Nigerians grapple with one of the toughest economic crises in decades after President Bola Tinubu halted petrol subsidies that kept prices all round low and stopped support for the local currency.

Streaming platforms, cable TV and internet service providers are meanwhile on a price-hiking spree that has put off many clients.

Netflix increased monthly subscription fees twice last year to 7,000 naira 4.50 from 4,400 naira for its premium package a substantial amount in a country where, according to the World Bank, over half of the 230 million people live in poverty.

Many people are slashing their entertainment budget, including cable and streaming subscriptions, according to Lagos-based think tank SBM Intelligence.