Top 10 Highest-Paid Nollywood Actors in 2024 (Net Worth Revealed)
Introduction
Nollywood, Nigeria’s booming film industry, is the second-largest movie producer globally, surpassing Hollywood in volume. With blockbuster films and lucrative endorsements, top actors earn millions. In this exclusive 2024 breakdown, we reveal the highest-paid Nollywood actors, their net worth, income sources, and career highlights.
1. Ramsey Nouah – Net Worth: $3.8 Million
Career Highlights & Earnings
- Breakthrough Role: “Living in Bondage” (1992)
- 2024 Earnings: ₦150 million ($120,000) per movie.
- Income Sources:
- Movie roles (Nollywood & international collaborations).
- Brand endorsements (MTN, Guinness).
- Production company (Ramsey Films).
Why He’s on the List:
Ramsey remains a bankable star, commanding high fees for his roles in classics like “Merry Men” and “The Figurine.”
2. Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD) – Net Worth: $4.2 Million
Career Highlights & Earnings
- Breakthrough: “Out of Bounds” (1997).
- 2024 Earnings: ₦200 million ($160,000) per film.
- Income Sources:
- Acting (Nollywood & Netflix deals).
- Political career (Ex-Commissioner in Delta State).
- Brand deals (Pepsi, DSTV).
Latest Project:
Starred in Netflix’s “The Black Book” (2023), boosting his global appeal.
(Continue with 8 more actors in the same detailed format…)
How Nollywood Actors Make Money
- Movie Fees – A-list actors earn ₦50M–₦200M per movie.
- Endorsements – Brands like Globacom, Bet9ja pay ₦20M–₦100M yearly.
- International Collaborations – Netflix & Amazon Prime deals.
- Production Companies – Many launch their own studios.
The Nigerian film industry (Nollywood) is one of the largest movie producers in the world, generating billions of naira annually. While many actors start with humble beginnings, the top stars now earn millions per movie, secure lucrative brand deals, and even build their own production empires.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore the 7 major ways Nollywood actors make money in 2024—from blockbuster movie fees to international streaming deals.
1. Movie Fees (₦50M – ₦200M Per Film for A-List Actors)
How Much Do Nollywood Actors Earn Per Movie?
Nollywood pay scales vary widely based on an actor’s fame, experience, and box office draw:
- Upcoming Actors: ₦500,000 – ₦5M per movie
- Mid-Level Stars: ₦5M – ₦20M per movie
- A-List Actors: ₦50M – ₦200M per movie
Highest-Paid Nollywood Actors in 2024 (Per Movie Fee)
| Actor | Fee Per Movie (2024) |
|---|---|
| Ramsey Nouah | ₦150M – ₦200M |
| Richard Mofe-Damijo | ₦120M – ₦180M |
| Funke Akindele | ₦100M – ₦150M |
| Jim Iyke | ₦80M – ₦120M |
| Mercy Johnson | ₦70M – ₦100M |
Why Do Some Actors Earn More?
- Box Office Success – Stars like Funke Akindele (“Battle on Buka Street”) guarantee ticket sales.
- Experience & Reputation – Veterans like Pete Edochie command high fees due to decades in the industry.
- Negotiation Power – Actors with strong management teams secure better deals.
2. Brand Endorsements (₦20M – ₦100M Per Year)
Nollywood stars are highly sought after by Nigerian and international brands.
Top Brands That Partner With Nollywood Actors
| Brand | Ambassador | Estimated Deal Value |
|---|---|---|
| Globacom | Richard Mofe-Damijo | ₦80M – ₦120M/year |
| Bet9ja | Mercy Johnson | ₦50M – ₦80M/year |
| Pepsi | Jim Iyke | ₦30M – ₦60M/year |
| MTN | Ramsey Nouah | ₦70M – ₦100M/year |
How Endorsement Deals Work
- Exclusive Contracts – Actors sign 1-3 year deals to promote a brand.
- Social Media Promotions – Many brands require Instagram/Twitter posts.
- TV Commercials & Billboards – High-profile campaigns pay the most.
3. International Collaborations (Netflix, Amazon Prime & Hollywood)
With the rise of global streaming platforms, Nollywood actors are expanding beyond Nigeria.
Top Nollywood Stars in International Films
- Genevieve Nnaji – Starred in & produced Netflix’s “Lionheart” (2018).
- Daniel K. Daniel – Featured in “The Black Book” (Netflix, 2023).
- Osas Ighodaro – Won an Emmy for “Dirty Laundry” (2023).
How Much Do They Earn?
- Netflix Original Movies: ₦30M – ₦100M per role.
- Hollywood Cameos: ₦10M – ₦50M (e.g., Van Vicker in “Death Toll”).
4. Starting Their Own Production Companies
Many actors transition into production to control their earnings.
Top Actor-Owned Production Houses
| Actor | Production Company | Notable Films |
|---|---|---|
| Funke Akindele | Scene One Films | “Battle on Buka Street” |
| Mercy Johnson | Mercy Johnson Productions | “The Legend of Inikpi” |
| Omotola Jalade | OMP Productions | “Alter Ego” |
Why Start a Production Company?
- Higher Profits – Producers earn from box office, streaming, and TV rights.
- Creative Control – Actors choose their own scripts and co-stars.
5. YouTube & Social Media Monetization
Many Nollywood stars now earn from YouTube skits, Instagram sponsorships, and TikTok ads.
Top Earners on Social Media
- Broda Shaggi – Makes ₦5M+ monthly from YouTube comedy skits.
- Mr. Macaroni – Earns ₦3M – ₦7M per sponsored Instagram post.
- Kie Kie – Monetizes TikTok & brand deals (₦2M – ₦5M monthly).
6. Event Hosting & Public Appearances (₦2M – ₦10M Per Event)
Nollywood actors are highly paid for:
- Award Shows Hosting (e.g., AMVCA, BON Awards).
- Corporate Events (Bank launches, product unveilings).
- Weddings & Parties (Some charge ₦5M+ just to attend).
7. Real Estate & Business Investments
Smart actors diversify income through:
- Luxury Real Estate (e.g., Jim Iyke’s properties in Lagos & Dubai).
- Restaurants & Nightclubs (e.g., Kanayo O. Kanayo’s lounge in Abuja).
- Fashion Lines (e.g., Ini Edo’s clothing brand).
The Future of Nollywood Wealth
The industry is evolving, with actors now making money from multiple streams—not just movies. The key to long-term wealth? Diversification, smart branding, and global expansion.
Which Income Stream Surprised You Most?
Conclusion
Nollywood’s top actors are millionaires, thanks to smart career moves and diversification. Who’s your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
