A comedy skit by Netflix has triggered outrage among Nigerians after reviving the controversial “Nigerian prince” internet scam stereotype, with many accusing the global streaming platform of unfairly portraying the country as a hub for online fraud.
The skit, shared on Netflix’s Facebook page, has drawn hundreds of reactions, with many users expressing disappointment that the company chose to reinforce a narrative they say has long damaged Nigeria’s image despite the country’s global achievements.
In the clip, a young boy named Brick excitedly tells his parents: “Mum, Dad, a Nigerian prince desperately needs our help. There is a coup and he needs our bank account information in order to transfer millions of dollars out of his country. In exchange for our help, he will give us $3,000. Hurry, the bank closes in half an hour.”
His mother quickly dismisses the claim, replying: “It is a scam, Brick. Not everything on the internet is true.”
The exchange references the infamous “Nigerian prince” advance-fee fraud, an online scam that gained global notoriety in the 1990s through fraudulent emails promising victims a share of a fictitious fortune.
For many Nigerians, however, the joke struck a nerve.
Reacting to the video, Charles Nana Aidoo lamented, “Oh Nigeria… why always you?”
Godswill Jonathan mocked the stereotype, saying, “Lol. To think that some believe Nigeria has princes, while me in Nigeria haven’t seen any prince.”
Mba Chidiere Okechukwu described the stereotype as persistent, writing, “This stereotype is something else, but I understand anyway.”
Tosyn Roland questioned why Nigeria was singled out, saying, “I’m offended. Why not India prince?”
Another commenter, Saviourlar Okorie, wrote, “Prince watching and smiling. Nigeria yahoo Prince.”
The skit has reopened conversations about how global media continues to associate Nigeria with internet fraud, even though cybercrime is a worldwide problem involving criminals from many countries.
Critics argue that such portrayals overshadow the country’s more than 200 million law-abiding citizens and diminish its growing reputation in technology, entertainment, sports, business and innovation.
Others, however, defended Netflix, insisting the skit merely referenced a well-known internet scam that has become part of global pop culture and was not intended to insult Nigerians.
The controversy is the latest in a series of international portrayals that have reignited calls for greater sensitivity in depicting countries and cultures, with many Nigerians urging global entertainment companies to avoid reinforcing stereotypes that shape negative perceptions of the nation.