Kunle Afolayan Says He Spent ₦11 Million on Diesel in Five Weeks Amid Rising Energy Costs
Popular Nigerian filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has spoken out about the rising cost of energy in Nigeria, revealing that he spent about ₦11 million on diesel within just four to five weeks to keep one of his businesses running. The filmmaker shared his frustration in a video circulating online, explaining how the high price of diesel is making it extremely difficult for businesses to survive despite efforts to adopt alternative energy solutions.
Afolayan explained that the heavy spending occurred at KAP Village, his creative hub and hospitality facility. According to him, the enterprise requires a constant power supply to operate effectively, which has forced the business to rely heavily on diesel generators due to the country’s unstable electricity supply.
In the video, the filmmaker admitted he has been deeply worried about the situation because the cost of diesel has continued to rise sharply in recent months. He revealed that the price of diesel has climbed from around ₦1,000 per litre to more than ₦1,500 per litre, significantly increasing operational expenses.
“I have been sad because I can’t cope with ₦1,500 per litre for diesel,” Afolayan said in the video. He added that the ₦11 million spent within just over a month clearly shows how difficult it has become for businesses that depend on generators for electricity.
The filmmaker also explained that although he has installed solar power systems at KAP Village, the generated energy is still insufficient to fully power the facility. As a result, diesel generators remain necessary for daily operations, especially during periods when solar energy cannot meet the demand.
Afolayan said the situation becomes even more difficult when diesel has to be purchased on credit, because businesses often have to pay higher prices or face financial pressure while trying to keep their operations running. He noted that rising fuel prices are affecting not only large businesses but also smaller enterprises across Nigeria.
In response to the challenge, Afolayan appealed to financial institutions and government agencies to support businesses with loans or other funding to help them expand their renewable energy infrastructure. According to him, improved solar systems could reduce dependence on diesel and help companies survive the current energy crisis.
His comments have sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians expressing sympathy and sharing similar experiences about the rising cost of running businesses in the country. Several business owners noted that energy expenses have become one of the biggest operational challenges in Nigeria.
The filmmaker’s revelation highlights the broader economic pressure caused by Nigeria’s energy challenges. Many businesses continue to rely on generators due to an unreliable public electricity supply, making them vulnerable to fluctuations in diesel prices.
As energy costs continue to rise, experts say more businesses may explore renewable alternatives, such as solar power. However, many companies still require significant investment to transition away from diesel-powered generators fully.
