Nollywood Filmmaker Kunle Afolayan Reveals Crippling ₦11 Million Monthly Diesel Expense
Veteran Nollywood filmmaker and actor Kunle Afolayan has publicly expressed deep concern over the unsustainable financial burden his businesses face due to Nigeria's skyrocketing diesel prices. In a heartfelt video shared on his Instagram page, the award-winning director disclosed that his KAP Film Village and Resort in Oyo State consumes approximately ₦11 million worth of diesel within just four to five weeks.
Diesel Prices Soar to ₦1,500 Per Liter Forcing Credit Purchases
Afolayan revealed that diesel prices have surged dramatically from around ₦995 to as high as ₦1,500 per liter, creating severe operational challenges. This price escalation has forced his facility to purchase fuel on credit, with repayment periods sometimes stretching to two months before they can buy again. "I've been sad, sad because I can't cope with the 1500 per litre of diesel," Afolayan lamented in his video statement.
The filmmaker explained that despite having installed solar power systems at both his Oyo facility and Lagos-based KAP Hub, the high electricity demand still necessitates heavy reliance on generators. "We have solar power, but we're still spending about 11 million in four or five weeks," he emphasized, highlighting the inadequacy of current renewable energy solutions for his operations.
Appeal for Financial Assistance to Upgrade Solar Systems
Faced with this unsustainable expense pattern, Afolayan has made a public appeal for loan assistance to upgrade his solar power infrastructure. He believes that enhanced solar systems could significantly reduce his dependence on diesel-powered generators and provide more stable, cost-effective energy solutions for both his Oyo and Lagos facilities.
The filmmaker's revelation comes amid broader economic challenges affecting Nigeria's creative industry and business sector. Many production facilities and entertainment venues across the country face similar struggles with unreliable power supply and escalating fuel costs that threaten operational viability.
Public Reaction and Industry Implications
Following Afolayan's disclosure, numerous fans and industry observers have expressed solidarity with his predicament. Social media reactions have highlighted widespread frustration with Nigeria's persistent electricity challenges and their impact on businesses. One commenter noted, "Electricity shouldn't be a problem in Nigeria, other African countries enjoy power on a constant basis."
Others have called for government intervention, with suggestions that ministries responsible for culture and entertainment should provide grants to support creative enterprises facing such operational hurdles. The situation underscores broader concerns about infrastructure limitations affecting Nigeria's growing film industry and their implications for economic sustainability.
Afolayan's KAP Film Village represents a significant investment in Nigeria's creative infrastructure, providing production facilities that support numerous film projects and industry employment. The financial strain from diesel costs threatens not only his business operations but also the broader ecosystem of filmmakers, technicians, and artists who depend on such facilities for their work.
This development occurs as Afolayan continues to promote his latest production, Anikulapo Series 2: The Ghoul Awakens, while navigating the practical challenges of maintaining production infrastructure amid Nigeria's economic realities. His public appeal highlights the intersection of creative ambition and practical business management in an environment of rising operational costs.
