The Richest Nollywood Actors: Who Are They?

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The Nigerian film industry, or Nollywood, has expanded into a billion-dollar business, giving rise to some of the richest actors whose wealth and fame extend beyond Africa.

Many Nollywood actors are praised for their financial success and talent. This article details the richest Nollywood celebrities, their incomes, and their sources of money.

1. Funke Akindele (Net Worth: $11 Million)

 

Funke Akindele’s popular series Jenifa’s Diary catapulted her to stardom. She is also an actress, movie producer, and brand ambassador.

Her business endeavours and humorous performances have greatly increased her wealth.

The award-winning actress began her early career by starring in the comedy series I Need to Know, which aired from 1998 to 2002.

She produced and directed the highest-grossing Nollywood movie, A Tribe Called Judah, which made over N1 billion at the box office.

Films directed by Funke Akindele, such as Battle on Buka Street (2022) and Omo Ghetto: The Saga (2022), have earned over 600 million Naira each, making them one of the highest-grossing Nigerian productions ever.

Her latest movie, Everybody Loves Jenifa, hit N511 million after just 12 days of its release.

2. Genevieve Nnaji (Net Worth: $10 Million)

Many people call Genevieve Nnaji the “Queen of Nollywood” as she is considered one of the industry’s pioneering actresses. 

Her skill as an actress has earned her roles in more than 200 films since she began her career as a child actor at the age of 8 in the renowned series Ripples.

In addition to her remarkable acting abilities, Nnaji has dabbled in international partnerships, endorsement deals and entrepreneurship.

Her fortune increased even more in 2018 when her movie, Lionheart, became the first Nigerian film to be purchased by Netflix.

Thanks to these pursuits, she is now among the wealthiest actors in Nollywood. They have catapulted her to the highest levels of financial success.

3. Omotola Jalade Ekeinde (Net Worth: $7.2 Million)

With a career spanning acting, singing, and philanthropy, Omotola—known to her admirers as “Omosexy”—has appeared in over 300 films since her Nollywood debut in 1995 and has lucrative endorsement deals.

She and Genevieve Nnaji were two major personalities who dominated the movie industry in the 1990s. Together, they were instrumental in bringing Nollywood to the world’s attention and transforming the Nigerian film industry.

Omotola’s remarkable career began in the mid-1990s when she was cast in the 1995 movie Venom of Justice. The same year, she made her breakthrough with a significant part in Mortal Inheritance.

4. Richard Mofe-Damijo (Net Worth: $7 Million)

Richard Mofe-Damijo, or RMD, is a Nollywood veteran. RMD has been an actor, director, and producer for many years. In addition to his movie profits, his net worth has increased further through his work as a brand ambassador. 

He has also held a couple of political appointments. In 2008, he assumed the role of Special Adviser of Culture and Tourism to then-Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, subsequently becoming the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism of Delta State, Nigeria, in 2009. His term in this political capacity concluded in 2015.

The renowned actor started his Nollywood career in 1995 with minor roles in the Nigerian soap opera Ripples.

5. Rita Dominic (Net Worth: $6 Million)

Rita Dominic is a prominent actress and producer. Her production business, The Audrey Silva Company, has published several critically acclaimed films. She also enjoys endorsement partnerships with different brands.

She has thrived in the film industry since childhood and starred in more than 100 films. She is undoubtedly one of Nollywood’s top-paid actresses. 

6. Desmond Elliot (Net Worth: $5 Million)

Nollywood actor Desmond Elliot is also a producer, director, and politician. His political and behind-the-camera endeavours have cemented his place among the wealthiest Nollywood celebrities, and he has a long list of box-office successes to his credit.

Elliot dominated the Nollywood screen in the early 2000s, appearing in more than 200 films and TV shows before entering politics.

Elliot’s career began with roles in soap operas,, including Saints and Sinners, One Too Much, and Everyday People,’s beginning. 

In the 2015 Nigerian General Elections, Elliot’s political career took a turn. He ran for the All Progressive Party (APC) and won the Surulere Constituency.

In addition to his prosperous Nollywood legacy, he had a tremendous political career after being re-elected in 2019. He was then elected a lawmaker to the Lagos State House of Assembly.

7. Mercy Johnson Okojie (Net Worth: $5 Million)

Mercy Johnson is widely known and praised in Nigeria for her charismatic performances and flexibility. Her lucrative endorsement deals and acting career have boosted her financial status.

She began appearing on screen in the early 2000s and has since made a lasting impression by starring in more than 300 films. This incredible accomplishment ranks her among the top movie stars in the business.

Her breakout performance in the hit family comedy Dumebi The Dirty Girl in 2012 earned her the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards’ Best Actress award.

8. Ramsey Nouah (Net Worth: $5 Million)

Ramsey Nouah’s romantic portrayals have earned him the nickname “Lover Boy” in Nollywood. After decades of work, he moved to directing, specialising in commercially successful films like Living in Bondage: Breaking Free.

Nouah began his Nollywood career in the early 1990s. His early credits include notable roles in television soap operas and motion pictures such as Camouflage and Silent Night. 

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Sources of Income for Nollywood Stars

1. Acting Charges

Acting in films brings in large sums of money for many celebrities. Depending on the actor’s level of celebrity and the project’s budget, fees can range from thousands to millions of naira for every film.

2. Endorsement Deals

Prominent Nollywood actors frequently obtain high-paying endorsement deals with national and international companies, which boosts their yearly income by millions.

3. Film Production and Directing

Many actors, including Funke Akindele and Ramsey Nouah, dabble in production and directing, frequently bringing in substantial sums of money.

4. Business ventures and investments

Stars like Omotola Jalade Ekeinde and Desmond Elliot invest in fashion, real estate, and other ventures to diversify their revenue streams.

5. Licencing and Streaming

Through the growth of digital platforms like Netflix, Nollywood actors now have the chance to receive royalties and international recognition.