By Ghazali Ibrahim
Award-winning filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has expressed distress over the rising cost of diesel in the country, revealing that the energy crisis is putting severe pressure on his businesses.
In a video shared on social media, the award-winning director said the escalating price of fuel has made it difficult to sustain operations at his facilities, particularly the KAP Film Village and Resort, where film productions and tourism activities take place.
Afolayan disclosed that his operations now spend about ₦11 million on diesel every four to five weeks, describing the situation as unsustainable.
“I’ve been sad because I can’t cope with ₦1,500 per litre for diesel,” he said, explaining that despite installing solar power systems at the facility, the business still depends heavily on diesel to run generators and maintain operations.
The filmmaker also revealed that his business sometimes buys diesel on credit and repays suppliers later when revenue comes in, a practice he said has become increasingly difficult as fuel prices continue to rise.
Appealing for support, Afolayan said he hopes to secure financial assistance or investment to expand the resort’s solar infrastructure and reduce reliance on diesel.
The plea comes amid sharp fluctuations in fuel prices in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector, including recent increases in petrol and diesel prices by the Dangote Refinery, which have triggered concerns among businesses and households across the country.
Afolayan, known for critically acclaimed films such as The Figurine, October 1, and Anikulapo, is widely regarded as one of the key figures driving the global recognition of Nigeria’s film industry.
