Top 20 Richest Nollywood Actors and Actresses [2024]

Nollywood is no doubt one of the most prolific movie industries in the world, generating an estimated revenue of $1.2 billion annually. Thanks to this revenue, stakeholders and actors in the industry have been able to acquire life-changing fortunes. With this in mind, we have compiled a list of the top 20 Richest Nollywood actors and actresses.

Before getting to the list, it is imperative, that we consider in-depth the evolution of Nollywood since its emergence in the 1940s. Some argue that the origin of Nollywood can be traced to Hubert Ogunde Concert Party, a travel theatrical company that performed in various cities across the country during this period.

The Success of Ogunde’s company led to the proliferation and creation of numerous theatrical companies, most of which eventually transitioned to the big screen, following the arrival of picture technology in the country. From then the industry evolved into several stages, until its present stage, in which it has achieved global acceptance.

One of the benefits of this global acceptance is an annual billion-dollar revenue, which is often divided between the major stakeholders and actors in the industry. This leads us to wonder, who are the people benefitting most from this phenomenon, so without further ado here are the richest Nollywood actors and actresses in the Industry.

1. Genevieve Nnaji – $15 million

Veteran and iconic Nollywood Actress, Genevieve Nnaji is the richest Nollywood actor, with an estimated net worth of $15 Million. She is one of the notable stars who have been dominating the screen since the 90s, even up to this moment, and one of the major stakeholders, with enormous contributions to the Industry.

Genevieve began her career as a child actor at the age of 8, in the popular television serial opera Ripples. She however remained in obscurity and was reintroduced to the screen in 1998, with the movie Most Wanted. She has since then starred in over 200 Nollywood movies, most notably Power of Love (2002), Letters to a Stranger (2006), Silent Scandals (2009), Ijé: The Journey (2009) Half of a Yellow Sun (2009) amongst others.

Genevieve has been said to be one of the major forces to have revolutionized the Nigerian film industry by introducing Nollywood to the rest of the globe. Her directorial debut movie, Lionheart, is the first Netflix film from Nigeria and the first Nigerian submission for the Oscars. In 2005, She became the first actor to win the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role.

Aside from the fortunes, she earned from her roles in movies, Genevieve was also one of the most endorsed Nigerian celebrities in the 2000s and 2010s. A 2014 Vanguard report noted that Genevieve made a whooping two hundred and twenty million nairas from deals and endorsements in that Calendar year. She has represented big brands like Lux, Cintrion Energy drink, Range Rover Evoghe, Etisalat, Polo, and Amstel Malta.

2. Funke Akindele – $11 million

Actor, producer, and director, Funke Akindele takes the second spot among the richest Nollywood Actors and Actresses with an estimated net worth of $11 Million. She is considered by many as one of the greatest actors and filmmakers that have ever graced the industry. She has dominated the screen since the late 2000s and is responsible for some of the most commercially successful movies the industry has produced in recent times.

Funke Akindele or Jennifer as she is popularly called rose to fame after her lead role in the Classic Yoruba Movie “Jenifa” Before that, She starred in the popular United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)-sponsored sitcom I Need to Know, which ran from 1998 to 2002. Following the success of Jenifa, Funke has led and appeared in numerous movies, developing one of the most critical portfolios in the Industry.

As a director, Funke’s movies: Tribe of Judah (2023) Battle on Buka Street (2022), and Omo Ghetto: The Saga (2022), are the top 3 highest-grossing Nigerian movies of all time. Both grossing over 600 Million Nairas. She is also the founder of Funke Ayotunde Akindele network, a Nigerian movie studio, and a recipient of multiple awards such as the African Movie Academy Award f and the African Magic Viewers Choice Awards in 2016.

Aside from her fulfilling career as an actor, Funke Akindele is also one of the highest-paid African celebrities/influencers on Instagram, with over 16 Million followers. She also has endorsement deals with some of the biggest Nigerian brands such as Dettol Irokotv, Keystone Bank, and WAW Nigeria.

3. Mercy Johnson Okojie – $9 million

Mercy Johnson Okojie is an actress, film director, producer, and one of the richest Nollywood actors and actresses, with an estimated Net worth of $9 Million. She has been one of the prominent faces constantly appearing on the screen since the early 2000s, featuring in over 300 movies, one of the highest film figures in the industry.

Mercy began her Nollywood career, right after her secondary education, featuring in numerous movies such as The Maid (2004), Into Temptation (2004), and House Party (2004). She however spent years in and out of obscurity, featuring in nuerous movies that dominated the video film era, such as Married to the Enemy (2006), Twist of Fate (2007), Guilty Pleasure (2008), and Jewel of the Sun (2011).

Mercy became prominent after taking the lead role in the popular Family Comedy Dumebi The Dirty Girl (2012). The role won her the Best Actress award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards and secured more lead roles in iconic movies such as Baby Oku In America (2013), Hustlers (2014), Seven & A Half Dates (2018), A Naija Christmas (2021) and Battle On Buka Street (2022), the highest grossing Nollywood Movie

Due to her contribution to the Nigerian entertainment industry, Mercy Johnson is a recipient of numerous Television and Movie Awards. In 2009, she won an award for Best Supporting Actress at the 2009 African Movie Award ceremony for her performance in the movie “Live to Remember”. For additional income, she serves as a brand ambassador for numerous Brands such as Chi Limited’s Prime brand, Hollandia Evap Milk, and Pennek Nigeria Limited, a real estate investment company based in Lagos.

4. Omotola Jalade Ekeinde – $7 Million

Beauty model and influencer, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, takes the fourth spot among the richest Nollywood actors and actresses, with an estimated net worth of $7 Million. She alongside Genevieve Nnaji are the two major forces that dominated the screen in the 90’s and are also responsible for revolutionizing the Nigerian film industry by introducing Nollywood to the rest of the globe.

Omotola began her notable career, in the mid 90’s landing a role in the 1995 film Venom of Justice. She secured her first major role in the same year, in the film Mortal Inheritance (1995). Her performance in both movies secured her further roles in several major films, such as Games Women Play (2005), Blood Sisters (2007), and many others.

She further cemented her legendary status, after securing her first cinematic movie role in the 2010 film Ije: The Journey, the highest-grossing Nollywood film at the time. In 2012, she starred in the Nollywood thriller, Last Flight to Abuja which became the second-highest-grossing movie in West African cinemas in 2012.

Aside from her outstanding movie career, Omotola is also a global influencer, with millions of followers across the globe. In 2013 She was one of the most followed celebrities on Facebook and was included in Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world. In 2014, she was honoured by the Nigerian government, when she became a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) for her contributions to Nollywood.

5. Richard Mofe Damijo (RMD) – $6 million

Richard Mofe-Damijo popularly known as RMD, is a Nigerian actor, writer, producer, and lawyer. He is one of the one of the richest Nollywood actors, with an estimated net worth of $ 6 Million. He is considered by some, one of the greatest actors to grace the Nollywood industry, as he has been dominating the screen since 1995.

RMD began his Nollywood career, playing a minor character in the Popular Nigerian soap Ripples. He however gained more popularity as the villain Segun Kadiri in the rival soap Checkmate. RMD attained more prominence after featuring as Chief Dike in the 1998, Nollywood thriller, Diamond Ring. He has since then featured in several Nollywood blockbuster movies, as an actor, writer, and even a producer.

Some of the notable works in Richard’s Filmography include The Mayors (2003), Critical Assignment (2004) 30 Days in Atlanta (2014), The Wedding Party franchise, Love Is War (2019), The King of Boys Franchise, Christmas in Miami (2021), many of which are part of the highest grossing Nigerian Movies of all Time.

Aside from a life-long career as an actor, Richard is also a politician. He was appointed as the Special Adviser of Culture and Tourism to the then Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan in 2008, and later became the commissioner for Culture and Tourism of Delta State, Nigeria in 2009. His tenure ended in 2015

He has also won numerous awards including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in 2005 and the Africa Movie Academy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.

▶ Richard Mofe-Damijo’s Full Profile, Biography, and Net Worth

6. Desmond Elliot – $5 million

Nigerian actor and lawmaker Desmond Eliot is one of the richest Nollywood actors with an estimated net worth of $5 Million. Before his interest in Politics, Desmond was one of the faces that dominated the Nollywood screen in the early 2000s, featuring in over 200 Movies and television series.

Desmond began his career playing roles in soap operas like Everyday People, One Too Much, and Saints and Sinners. He developed himself to become one of f Nollywood’s leading actors, securing lead roles and making appearances in over two hundred films including Yahoo Millionaire (2007) and 30 Days in Atlanta (2014).

Due to his enormous contribution to the Nigerian entertainment industry, Desmond is a recipient of multiple awards and nominations. He won Best Supporting Actor in a Drama at the 2nd Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards and was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the 10th Africa Movie Academy Awards.

Alongside his fulfilling Nollywood career, Desmond ventured into politics in 2015. He contested with the All Progressive Party (APC) and won the Surulere Constituency in the 11 April 2015 Nigerian General Elections. He was re-elected in 2019 and again in 2013. As a politician, Desmond noted that he is working toward fixing “child illiteracy in Nigeria and Africa at large.

▶ Desmond Elliot’s Full Profile, Biography, and Net Worth

7. Jim Iyke – $5 million

James Ikechukwu Esomugha, popularly known as Jim Iyke is one of the richest Nollywood actors, with an estimated net worth of $5 Million. He is one of the major forces responsible for revolutionizing the Nigerian film industry by introducing Nollywood to the rest of the globe.

Jim Ikye began his acting career in 2001 but remained in obscurity until his appearance in the Classic drama and romance: Beyonce & Rihanna (2008). He has since then starred in over 150 films in the Nigerian film industry, such as Last Flight to Abuja (2012), The Merry Men Franchise, Passport (2022), and Hustle (2021), many of which are part of the highest-grossing movies in Nigerian history.

Jim Ikye being one of the richest Nollywood actors is no surprising feat as he has emerged as the highest-paid artist in the industry numerous times throughout his career. He also has a side career as the Chief Executive Officer of his entertainment company, Untamed Productions. The Company is a movie production company with a subsidiary record label called, Untamed Records.

▶ Jim Iyke’s Full Profile, Biography, and Net Worth

8. Ramsey Nouah – $5 Million

Ramsey Nouah is an iconic actor, director, and one of the richest Nollywood actors, with an estimated net worth of $5 Million. He is one of the most sought-after actors in Nigeria with numerous blockbusters to his name.

Nouah began his Nollywood Career in the early 90s, featuring in movies and television soap operas such as Silent Night (1996), Camouflage (1999), and many others. He, however, attained the spotlight after starring as Jeff Akin-Thomas in the Nigerian TV soap opera Fortunes. He has since appeared in numerous films as the lead actor and for his numerous roles in romantic films.

Like many on this list, Ramsey Noauh has made a fortune for his enormous contribution to Nollywood. He is also a recipient of numerous Awards including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in 2010 for his performance in the movie The Figurine.

As a director Nouah is known for remaking Nollywood Classics, He made his directorial debut with the film Living in Bondage: Breaking Free in 2019 and also went on to direct the Nollywood classic Rattle Snake: The Ahanna Story which is a remake of Rattlesnake (1995).

9. Odunlade Adekola ($5 million)

Iconic Yoruba Actor Odunlade Adekola takes ninth place amongst the richest Nollywood actors with an estimated net worth of $ 5 Million. He gained prominence for his lead role in Ishola Durojaye’s 2003 movie, Asiri Gomina Wa, and has since then featured in numerous Nollywood movies both as a lead and supporting actor.

Odunlade lead movies such as Emi Nire Kan (2009), Sunday Dagboru (2010), Monday Omo Adugbo(2010), and Oyenusi (2014) are some of the most commercially successful Yoruba movies in 2000. Aside from acting, Odunlade also doubles as a singer, filmmaker, producer, and director. He is also the founder and CEO of the Odunlade Adekola Film Production (OAFP).

As a director, Odunlade movie, Orisa (2023) is the seventeen highest-grossing Nollywood movie of all time as it grossed over N170 Million Naira in the Cinema. The Vendor (2018) also took the 61st spot as it grossed over N46 Million. Aside from his earnings from the movie industry, he is also a brand ambassador of numerous companies such as RevolutionPlus Property Development Company, Goldberg Beer, and Globacom Telecommunications.

Odunlade is also prominent among Nigerian netizens as photographs of him during filming are widely used as internet memes across the Nigerian WebSphere.In April 2014, He won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor of the Year. The veteran actor is also the CEO of Odunlade Adekola Film Production which has produced several actors and movies.

10 . Femi Adebayo ($5 million)

Femi Adebayo is a Nigerian film director, actor, producer, and one of the Nollywood actors, with an estimated net worth of $5 Million. He is the son of Nollywood veteran actor Adebayo Salami, and the special adviser to the Governor of Kwara State on Arts, Culture, and Tourism. He is one of the Nollywood actors who dominated the screen In the 2000s and the 2010s

Femi began acting featuring in his father’s first movie titled “Ogun Ajaye”. He however did not attain mainstream until he took on a lead role in the classic comic Yoruba movie: Jelili (2011). He has since then starred in over 500 Nigerian Films including The Ghost and the Tout (2018), October 1 (2014), and Survival of Jelili (2019), all of which are part of the highest-grossing Nigerian films of all time.

One of Femi’s most notable works Jagun Jagun (2023) attained critical acclaim and earned 2,100,000 views in its first three days, making it one of the top 10 most-watched non-English films on Netflix globally, during that period. He also produced King of Thieves (2022) which is the seventh highest-grossing Nigerian film of all time as it grossed N320 Million In the cinema.

Aside from his earnings as a movie superstar, Femi is also the MD/CEO of the J-15 media network. He is also a brand ambassador for the digital TV platform, StarTimes and Kubanah whisky. Like Many on this list, Femi Adebayo is also a recipient of numerous Awards, such as City People Entertainment Awards, African Film Awards, Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards, and many others.

11. Sola Sobowale ($5 Million)

Veteran and iconic Nollywood actor, Sola Sobowale Joins the list of the richest actors and actresses in Nigeria, with an estimated net worth of $5 million. The 57-year-old Nollywood star is one of the few faces that have been in the industry for more than two decades now and are still as relevant as ever.

Sola began her career-making appearances in classic Nigerian television series and soap operas, such as The Village Headmaster (1968 -1988), and Mirror in the Sun (1984 -1986). She also featured in the classic Yoruba film, Asewo To Re Mecca (1992). She however had her big break in 2001, in the premiere of Nigeria’s popular television drama series Super Story: Oh Father, Oh Daughter.

The popular television soap opera shot Sola into the limelight and scored her numerous roles in movies produced by the Awada Kerikeri Group, under the leadership of Adebayo Salami. She has since then featured, co-scripted, directed, and produced several Nigerian films.

Some of the notable movies in her filmography include Battle on Buka Street (2022), The King of Boys Franchise, The Wedding Party Franchise, Gold Statue (2019), Aníkúlápó (2022) and Christmas Is Coming (2017) all of which are part of the highest grossing Nigerian films of all time.

12. Ini Edo – $4.5 million

Iniobong Edo Ekim, popularly known as Ini Edo is a Nigerian Actress and one of the richest and most successful Nollywood actors and actresses, with an estimated net worth of $4.5 million. She is one of the few actors who dominated the screen in 2000, that is still relevant to date

The 40-year-old veteran actress began her Nollywood career in 2003 with her debut in Thick Madam. She however did not attain the limelight, until she featured in World Apart in 2004. Over the following years, Ini Edo has developed her self and her career to be one of the leading Nollywood Actresses, Featuring in over 200 Movies.

Some of the notable works in her filmography include Girls Cot (2006), Married to the Enemy (2009), Games Men Play (2009), Reloaded (2009), Chief Daddy (2019), Citation (2020), and Shanty Town (2023)

Aside from her reputation in Nollywood, Ini Edo is one of the bigwigs in the beauty Industry. In 2021, she debuted a luxury fashion and cosmetic brand called Secrets Of April, which offers High Fashion Apparel, beauty products, and accessories for unique expressions, rich and famous. She was a judge for the Miss Black Africa UK Pageant In 2013.

With over 13 Million followers on Instagram, Ini Edo is one of the most followed African celebrities on the platform. She also serves as a brand ambassador for numerous brands such as the Giant Telecommunication Company, Globalcom, Noble Hair, Slim Tea Nigeria, and Mr. Taxi Transportgaion company. She was appointed as the Special Assistant to the Akwa Ibom State Governor on culture and tourism by Udom Gabriel Emmanuel in 2016

▶ Ini Edo’s Full Profile, Biography, and Net Worth

13. Toyin Abraham ($4.5 Million)

Toyin Abraham

With an estimated net worth of $4.5 Million, Toyin Abraham, a respected actor, filmmaker, and producer joins the list of the richest Nollywood Actors and actresses in Nigeria. Like many on this list, Toyin is one of the prominent actors who dominated the indigenous entertainment screen in the late 2000s and 2010s and is still relevant to date.

According to unverified reports, Toyin began acting in 2003, when the veteran Nigerian actress Bukky Wright noticed her talent and featured in her movie shoot in Ibadan. Toyin however was not popularly known until the early 2010s when she took on lead roles in some of the most commercially successful Yoruba movies at the time some of which include Alani Baba Labake (2013). Ebi mi ni (2013) and most notably Alakada (2013)

With a critically backed portfolio, Toyin became one of the most prominent actresses in the Yoruba movie industry, therefore establishing her own production house, Toyin Abraham Productions, and directing movies. Her 2022 suspense thriller, Ijakumo is the ninth highest-grossing Nigerian film of all time, grossing over N270 Million. The Ghost and the Tout Franchise which is produced by her grossed over 200 Million together while the Alakada Franchise grossed over N170 MIllion.

Aside from the fortunes she earned from acting and filmmaking, Toyin Abraham also serves as a brand Ambassador for numerous brands such as Revolution Plus Properties, Purit Hygiene Soap, Checkers Family Custard, Avila Skin care products, Fair Money Microfinance bank, and many others. She is also a recipient of numerous awards such as the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, Five Continents International Film Festival, and many others.

14. Mercy Aigbe ($4 million)

Mercy Aigbe is a Nigerian actress, fashionista, businesswoman, and one of the richest Nollywood actors and Actresses in Nigeria, with an estimated net worth of $4 million. Although not as prominent as she used to be, Mercy was one of the female Yoruba actresses who dominated the entire Nollywood in the early 2010s.

Mercy began her acting career by starring in some soap operas including the popular TV drama series “Papa Ajasco”. She, however, did not join the Nollywood industry fully until 2006, when she acted in the movie ‘Ara’, a movie produced by Remi Lupo. Despite fully joining the Industry in 2006, Mercy remained underground until her lead role in Omoge Osas (2012). The role shot her into the limelight, eventually landing some of the biggest roles in her career.

Aside from the fortune she earns from acting, Mercy is also one of the biggest African celebrities/influencers on Instagram, with over 11 Million followers on the platform. With this number of followers comes an unprecedented number of endorsement deals with brands such as Elephant Gold Rice, Prestige Cosmetic, giant domestic company, Mary Make, and many others. She is also the founder of Mag Divas Boutique in Lagos, with an outlet in Ibadan.

Over her career, she has numerous awards, including the City People Entertainment Awards for Yoruba Movie Personality of the Year and Links and Glitz World Awards for Fashion Entrepreneur of The Year, both in 2015.

15. Iyabo Ojo ($ 4 Million)

Social media influencer and veteran film actress, Iyabo Ojo grabs the 15th spot among the richest Nollywood actors and actresses in Nigeria, with an estimated net worth of $4 million. Iyabo who also doubles as a director and producer is popularly known for her contributions to the Nollywood film industry. She has featured in over 150 films and has produced more than 14 of her own.

Iyabo Ojo started her acting career in 1998 after registering with the Actors Guide of Nigeria through the help of Bimbo Akintola. She landed her first role ever in the 1998 English movie titled “Satanic” and since then scripted and featured in several other Nigerian films In 2002, she made her Yoruba-language debut with Baba Darijinwon and began producing her films in 2004. Her first production was Bolutife, after which she made Bofeboko, Ololufe, Esan, and Okunkun Biribiri.

Aside from her notable Nollywood career, Iyabo Ojo is also a prominent social media influencer and activist, with over 6 Million followers on Instagram and 2.4 Million followers on TikTok, making her one of the most followed Nigerians on the platform. She also serves as a brand ambassador for numerous brands in the real estate industry, and the cosmetic and beauty industry.

Top 20 Richest Nollywood Actors and Actresses [2023/2024]

Rank	Name	Net Worth
1	Genevieve Nnaji	$15 Million
2	Funke Akindele	$11 Million
3	Mercy Johnson Okojie	$9 Million
4	Omotola Jalade Ekeinde	$7 Million
5	Richard Mofe Damijo	$6 Million
6	Rita Dominic	$6 Million
7	Desmond Elliot	$5 Million
8	Jim Iyke	$5 Million
9	Ramsey Nouah	$5 Million
10	Odunlade Adekola	$5 Million
11	Femi Adebayo	$5 Million
12	Sola Sobowale	$5 Million
13	Ini Edo	$4.5 Million
14	Toyin Abraham	$4.5 Million
15	Mercy Aigbe	$4 Million
16	Iyabo Ojo	$4 Million
17	Ali Nuhu Mohammed	$4 Million
18	Zubby Michael	$3.5 Million
19	Uche Jumbo	$3.5 Million
20	Eniola Badmus	$3 Million