Toyin Abraham’s management has clarified filmmaker Kunle Afolayan’s recent comment suggesting that a movie producer could earn only ₦10 million from a film grossing ₦1–2 billion at the cinemas, explaining that the statement was made sarcastically and not as a factual claim.
In a statement issued on Monday, the actress’s manager, Samuel Olatunji of The Hype Agency, said Abraham had been contacted repeatedly for her reaction to Afolayan’s remarks on film revenue sharing and promotional culture in Nollywood.
According to the statement, Abraham fully understood the broader argument Afolayan was attempting to make about the gap between headline box office numbers and the actual returns producers receive.
It noted, however, that some industry players interpreted the tone of his remarks as dismissive of the extensive work and financial risks filmmakers especially women put into their craft.
The statement revealed that Afolayan personally reached out to Abraham after the controversy escalated.
“During that conversation, she expressed her concerns, particularly about how the comments could be interpreted as disregarding the efforts of others,” it read.
It added that Afolayan clarified his intention and that the matter was resolved amicably. “Mr Afolayan clarified the context and intent of his remarks, and the issue was addressed maturely.
Both parties have since moved on,” the management said.
Olatunji described it as disappointing that some expected Abraham to publicly attack Afolayan, stressing that both have had a cordial working relationship for years.
He also rejected claims that Abraham kept quiet because she previously questioned the possibility of films earning ₦1 billion at the box office.
“This narrative is completely untrue. She is close to industry stakeholders responsible for box office reporting and has access to certified and verifiable figures. There is no basis for doubting credible numbers,” the statement added.
Abraham’s team noted that she has never criticised the success of any filmmaker, emphasizing that her consistent concern has been the issue of fair cinema showtimes, which significantly influence box office performance.
It went on to acknowledge the achievements of filmmakers who are currently setting new box office records.
“These successes have been recorded despite rising production costs, limited screens, revenue-sharing structures and multiple statutory deductions,” the statement read.
For emphasis, the management reiterated that Afolayan’s comment on earnings was not to be taken literally.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Mr Afolayan’s reference to ten million naira was clearly sarcastic. No producer earns ten million naira from a one billion naira or two billion naira box office performance,” it stated.
The management urged industry stakeholders to use the moment to reflect on deeper structural issues affecting profitability instead of fueling online disputes.
The clarification comes after widespread reactions to Afolayan’s earlier comments on promotional expectations in Nollywood.
The filmmaker recently said actress Funke Akindele had called him to protest remarks he made about the pressure on producers to constantly perform online stunts to promote films.
During an appearance on ARISE TV, Afolayan explained that his comments were not directed at Akindele or any individual.
“There’s no competition. I don’t want two billion in cinema, or even one billion, if I won’t make ten million from it,” he said, stressing that producers often receive less than 30 percent of total box office earnings after deductions and revenue sharing.
He also confirmed he had spoken with Abraham and that she understood his concerns about profitability and the increasing demands of film promotion.
