Kunle Afolayan, a renowned Nollywood filmmaker, has voiced deep frustration over the crippling effect of rising diesel costs on his business operations in Lagos.
He revealed that his KAP Film Village and Resort consumes about N11 million worth of diesel every month.
In a video shared on his Instagram page on Tuesday, the movie producer decried the soaring energy costs, which he said are threatening the sustainability of businesses like his.
Afolayan disclosed that despite having alternative power sources, his facility still runs up a massive fuel bill every four to five weeks.
“I have been sad because I can’t cope with the N1,500 per litre of diesel. In one of the businesses that we run, the KAP Film Village, we spend about N11m in four or five weeks on diesel. And we have solar power, but we’re still spending about N11m,” Afolayan stated in the video.
Highlighting the severe financial strain the situation has caused, the filmmaker admitted that his team frequently resorts to purchasing diesel on credit due to cash flow challenges.
“The diesel we have been buying, we have been buying on credit. When we make small money, we find a way to pay.
“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,” he explained.
With the recent hike in fuel prices, particularly following the Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s increase in the gantry price of petrol, Afolayan used the platform to appeal to the public and potential investors for assistance in upgrading the facility’s solar power system to reduce reliance on diesel generators.
“We really need help to upgrade our solar system. If anyone can come through, I’d truly appreciate it,” he pleaded.
Afolayan’s outcry echoes similar sentiments recently expressed by veteran actor Pete Edochie, who also lamented the harsh economic realities in the country.
Edochie recently revealed the heavy financial burden of securing basic amenities, noting that he spends approximately N40,000 daily on electricity and fuel just to keep his home powered.
