Filmmaker Niyi Akinmolayan has voiced his concerns regarding the recent departure of Uber from Nigeria, drawing parallels to the backlash faced by the film industry when major streaming platforms like Amazon Prime and Netflix exited the country. Akinmolayan's comments come in light of growing frustrations among various sectors as they navigate the challenges posed by the exit of significant service providers.

In his statement, Akinmolayan highlighted the unfairness of blaming filmmakers for the loss of investment from streaming giants. He pointed out that when Prime and Netflix reduced their presence in Nigeria, many in the public unfairly targeted the film industry, suggesting that filmmakers were responsible for the decline in local content production and investment. This narrative, he argues, oversimplifies the complexities of the entertainment landscape and overlooks the broader economic factors at play.

The filmmaker posed a thought-provoking question to the public: "That thing you people did to filmmakers when Prime left and Netflix cut investment, are you now going to blame drivers for Uber leaving?" This rhetorical inquiry serves to emphasize the absurdity of shifting blame onto individuals or groups who are not directly responsible for these corporate decisions.

Akinmolayan's remarks resonate with many in the creative industry who have felt the sting of public criticism during challenging times. The exit of Uber, a major player in the transportation sector, adds to the growing list of companies reevaluating their operations in Nigeria, raising concerns about the overall business climate in the country.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with economic challenges, the conversation surrounding the impact of corporate exits on different sectors is becoming increasingly relevant. Stakeholders in the film industry and beyond are calling for a more nuanced understanding of these issues, advocating for collaborative solutions rather than scapegoating specific groups.

The filmmaker's comments serve as a reminder of the interconnectedness of various industries and the importance of supporting local creatives during times of uncertainty. As the narrative unfolds, it remains to be seen how the public will respond to these challenges and whether a more supportive environment for filmmakers and other sectors can be fostered moving forward.