Nigerian filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has raised concerns over the rising cost of diesel, warning that the surge is making filmmaking and studio operations increasingly difficult in the country.
In a video shared on his Instagram page on Tuesday, the Nollywood producer spoke candidly about the financial strain the fuel hike has placed on his businesses, particularly the running of his film production facility.
Afolayan, who owns the KAP Film Village and Resort, revealed that the facility now spends about N11 million on diesel every four to five weeks, a cost he described as overwhelming for a creative business that relies heavily on power.
According to him, the sharp increase in diesel prices, now about N1,500 per litre, has significantly raised the cost of operating the film village, a major production hub for Nollywood projects.
“I have been sad because I can’t cope with the N1,500 per litre of diesel,” Afolayan said. “In one of the businesses that we run, the KAP Film Village, we spend about N11 million in four to five weeks on diesel. And we have solar power, but we’re still spending about N11 million.”
The filmmaker explained that despite investing in solar energy, diesel generators remain essential to power production equipment, lighting, editing suites and other facilities required for filmmaking.
He noted that the rising fuel cost is beginning to affect the sustainability of film production, forcing his team to adopt difficult financial measures just to keep operations running.
“The diesel we have been buying, we have been buying on credit. When we make small money, we find a way to pay,” he said.
“Sometimes it takes two months to even pay down and then get another one on credit. But now from about N1,000 or N995 to N1,500, it’s not sustainable.”
Afolayan’s remarks highlight the growing operational costs facing players in Nollywood, where production houses often rely on diesel-powered generators due to Nigeria’s unreliable electricity supply. Industry stakeholders say the surge in fuel prices is gradually driving up the cost of filmmaking from powering film sets and studios to running post-production facilities.
Appealing for support, the award-winning filmmaker called on investors and well-meaning Nigerians to help upgrade the solar infrastructure at the film village in order to reduce reliance on diesel.
“We really need help to upgrade our solar system. If anyone can come through, I’d truly appreciate it,” he said.
The concerns come amid broader conversations about Nigeria’s rising energy costs following recent pricing adjustments linked to the operations of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
Afolayan’s comments also echo similar concerns raised by veteran actor Pete Edochie, who recently lamented the financial burden of powering his home, revealing that he spends about N40,000 daily on electricity and fuel.
