Nollywood actress Toyin Abraham has addressed recent statements credited to filmmaker Kunle Afolayan about earnings from Nollywood films.
The actress said Afolayan’s reference to a producer earning ₦10 million from a ₦1 billion or ₦2 billion box office was meant sarcastically and not as an actual claim.
In a statement issued on Monday, Abraham’s manager, Samuel Olatunji of The Hype Agency, said the actress received numerous messages asking for her response to Afolayan’s comments on film profitability and promotion.
The statement explained that Abraham understood Afolayan’s broader point about the gap between headline box office numbers and the actual profit returned to producers.
The management noted that some industry members found the tone of Afolayan’s remarks at a film premiere dismissive of the effort, financial risk, and sacrifices filmmakers, especially women, invest in Nollywood.
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Following public attention to the comments, Afolayan reportedly reached out to Abraham directly to clarify his intentions.
The statement said Abraham expressed concerns over how his remarks could be interpreted as overlooking the work of other filmmakers.
Afolayan explained the context of his comment, and both parties resolved the issue professionally.
Abraham’s team also dismissed online claims suggesting she stayed silent because she doubted films could earn ₦1 billion at the box office, confirming she has access to verified box office figures.
According to the management, Abraham has reportedly never objected to the success of other filmmakers.
Her main concern has been fair cinema showtimes, which directly affect revenue.
The management recognized achievements by filmmakers reaching top box office numbers, describing them as notable in an industry facing high production costs, limited screens, revenue-sharing systems, and statutory deductions.
The statement reiterated that Afolayan’s comment about earning ₦10 million was sarcastic, as no producer receives that amount from a ₦1 billion or ₦2 billion box office.
Abraham’s team encouraged stakeholders to focus on improving industry structures and sustainable profit models rather than public disputes.
This clarification comes after Afolayan’s recent remarks on film promotion sparked social media discussion.
The filmmaker had explained that his comments were not directed at any individual but were about the financial pressures of producing films, noting that after taxes, distribution fees, and publicity costs, producers often earn less than 30 per cent of total box office revenue.
He also confirmed he discussed these points with Abraham, who understood his concerns about profitability and promotion challenges.
