Toyin Abraham responds to Kunle Afolayan’s box office comments

• Kunle Afolayan had said some filmmakers earn less than N10 million even if their movies make over N1 billion.
• Toyin Abraham, through her manager, clarified that the remarks were resolved amicably after a phone conversation with Afolayan.
• Abraham emphasized access to verified box office figures and dismissed claims that she kept silent due to skepticism about N1 billion grosses.

Toyin Abraham has addressed remarks made by fellow filmmaker Kunle Afolayan regarding Nollywood profits. Afolayan had suggested that some filmmakers make less than N10 million even when their films earn over N1 billion at the box office, comments that drew criticism online for seeming dismissive of the industry’s efforts.

Also read: Nigerian Cinemas Thrive with ₦3.48 Billion Box Office Haul in Q1 2025

According to a statement from Abraham’s manager, Samuel Olatunji, Afolayan called to explain his comments, and Abraham shared her concerns about potential misinterpretation. Olatunji said the matter was resolved amicably, emphasizing that their professional relationship remains strong and free of conflict.

Profit, sarcasm, and industry context

The statement clarified that Afolayan’s reference to N10 million was “clearly sarcastic” and urged focus on structural challenges affecting filmmakers’ profitability rather than public disagreements. Abraham also stressed her access to certified box office figures, countering claims that she doubted N1 billion grosses.

This clarification comes amid ongoing public debates over promotional strategies in Nollywood, following Afolayan’s critique of aggressive marketing methods and Funke Akindele’s response advocating for diverse promotional approaches. Abraham and Akindele remain the only filmmakers to have achieved N1 billion box office grosses in the industry.