Amazon Prime Video now in Nigeria

Amazon Prime video has launched a localised version of its service in Nigeria. The streaming giant announced this in a tweet on a new Amazon Prime Naija account recently.

This is a significant development in the video streaming scene in Nigeria as it aims to compete with the likes of Netflix, Showmax and more in the most populous country in Africa.

Information on the site states that this users can subscribe to the service with just ₦2,300/month (~$4) after a seven-day trial. This is cheaper than the cheapest Netflix plax of N2,900/month.

Note that the current service is a localised version of its service as it currently aims to grow its Nigerian subscriber by increasing its investment in local production, releasing original slates just as it did in Southeast Asia when it launched localised services in three markets – Indonesia, Thailand and The Philippines – on the 1st of August.

Amazon Prime has been collaborating with local production houses to provide content for its service. Some of the collaborations include Nemsia Film’s 3-picture deal and exclusive licensing agreements with Inkblot Studios and Anthill Studios.

Some weeks ago, Nairametrics reported that the Nigerian Government was also collaborating with Amazon Prime Video to train Nigerians on local content in the movie production industry and boost opportunities.

The streaming company also used the launch opportunity to announce two Local Amazon Originals for Nigerian customers, Gangs of Lagos and LOL: Last One Laughing Naija

Gangs of Lagos is a high-stakes, gritty, and hard-hitting action crime-thriller, with an authentic storyline centered on a group of friends who each have to navigate destiny, growing up on the bustling streets and neighborhood of Isale Eko, Lagos. It features elaborate set pieces, action scenes, and engaging dialogue, balanced out by its high-octane pace and an emotionally grounded story at its core. Starring Tobi Bakre, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, and Chikeì, Gangs of Lagos are directed and produced by Jade Osiberu, produced by Kemi Lala Akindoju, and co-produced by Akin Omotoso. The movie will launch exclusively on Prime Video in Nigeria and more than 240 countries and territories worldwide later this year.

LOL: Last One Laughing Naija is an unscripted series, where a group of comedians competes to be the “Last One Laughing.” Hosted by the acclaimed comedian and all-around entertainer popularly known as Basketmouth, who will pit 10 famous Nigerian comedians against one another to see who will ultimately win by keeping a straight face, while simultaneously trying to make their opponents laugh and lose. The stakes are high, with the comedians in competition for the grand prize of 40MM Naira that will go to the winner’s charity of choice. LOL: Last One Laughing Naija is proudly filmed and produced in Nigeria, and produced by Livespot360. It follows the success of the Prime Video global format already launched in Japan, Mexico, Brazil, Australia, India, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain. The unscripted series will showcase authentic Nigerian comedy from top Nigerian comedic talent, and will launch next year exclusively on Prime Video worldwide.

“We’re delighted to be increasing our investment in Prime Video for customers in Nigeria, making it a truly localised experience,” said Josh McIvor, director of International Expansion, Prime Video. From local payment and a full-scale local marketing campaign, to more local content specifically for Nigerian customers, our investment in Nigeria is a significant step towards our broader expansion plans in Africa and our ambition to be the most local of global streaming services.

“We know our customers want to see locally relevant faces, places, and stories alongside our global content on Prime Video, so we’re excited to be bringing Nigerian customers these brand-new Local Amazon Originals, Gangs of Lagos and LOL: Last One Laughing Naija,which will complement our growing selection of Nollywood and African series and movies,” said Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, head of Nigerian Originals, Prime Video. The news signals our continued commitment to the Nigerian TV and Film industry, bringing the very best of authentic, homegrown stories to not only our customers in Nigeria, but also Prime Video members around the world.”