Nollywood’s wealthiest stars aren’t just collecting acting fees anymore. The real money in Nigerian cinema comes from owning production companies, securing premium endorsements, and building business empires that extend far beyond the film set. In 2025, the richest actors are those who’ve mastered this formula, with Funke Akindele’s box office dominance and Jim Iyke’s diversified ventures leading the pack.
1. Jim Iyke ($30 Million)
Jim Iyke consistently tops every Nollywood wealth ranking, though his actual net worth remains around $30 million.
His wealth doesn’t come from acting alone, despite appearing in over 150 films. Jim Iyke runs Untamed Productions (which produces films, including the upcoming $2.5 million Amazon Prime project SIN), Untamed Records, the Untamed Closet fashion line, and Burgeon Global, a water bottling company in Abuja. He’s also invested in oil and gas and real estate, and he operates a luxury car dealership. Major endorsements include Globacom at roughly ₦10 million annually and Virgin Atlantic at a reported ₦100 million. It’s this diversification, not just screen time, that keeps him at the top.
2. Genevieve Nnaji ($10-15 Million)
The “Queen of Nollywood” built her fortune through strategic international positioning and smart business moves. Her directorial debut, Lionheart, became Netflix’s first Nigerian acquisition in 2018, reportedly earning her $3.8 million from that deal alone. That’s more than most actors make in their entire careers.
Genevieve commands premium endorsement rates from brands like Etisalat (₦100 million), Polo (₦70 million), Range Rover, Amstel Malta, and Lux. She co-owns The Entertainment Network (T.E.N.) production company and made history by signing with United Talent Agency in 2018, the same agency representing Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp.
She’s been relatively quiet on the production front recently. At the 2024 AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum, she revealed she’s been turning down Hollywood offers because “they wanted me as a commodity…for their benefit.” Despite lower visibility, her accumulated wealth from over 200 films and strategic investments keeps her firmly in the top tier.
3. Funke Akindele ($7-11 Million)
No actor has had a more financially explosive period than Funke Akindele. Her recent box office performance rewrote Nigerian cinema history. A Tribe Called Judah became the first Nigerian film to gross ₦1 billion, eventually reaching ₦1.408 billion. Then, Everybody Loves Jenifa shattered records, becoming the highest-grossing Nollywood film ever, with ₦1.88 billion. Add earlier hits like Omo Ghetto: The Saga and Battle on Buka Street, and her cumulative box office exceeds ₦2.9 billion.
Her production company, Scene One Productions, has become Nollywood’s most successful studio. She’s essentially printing money while other actors wait for roles. Active endorsements include Dettol, Keystone Bank, IrokoTV, and Vitafoam. She owns a lavish mansion in Amen Estate, Ibeju Lekki. Given her recent unprecedented success, analysts believe her current wealth may already have surpassed earlier estimates.
4. Richard Mofe-Damijo ($7-15 Million)
RMD represents the blueprint for sustainable Nollywood wealth. His 35-year career spans acting, production, political appointments, and extensive brand partnerships. Serving as Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Delta State from 2009-2015 provided substantial non-acting income that most entertainers never access.
His business portfolio includes RMD Productions Limited, White Water Limited, PR consulting, and the RMD Foundation mentorship platform. He maintains one of Nollywood’s most impressive endorsement rosters: Globacom, Johnnie Walker, LG Electronics, Polo Luxury Watches, Land Lagos real estate, Autochek, Heineken, Schweppes, and Zaron Cosmetics.
In 2024, he received an Industry Merit Award at the AMVCAs, recognising his career contributions. He’ll appear in King of Boys 3: The Beginning of the End in December 2025, proving that at any age, staying relevant keeps the money flowing.
5. Zubby Michael ($7.5-8 Million)
Known as “Eze Ndiala” (King of Doings), Zubby Michael has built substantial wealth through sheer volume and strategic business moves. He’s one of Nollywood’s most prolific action film stars, maintaining an extremely active production schedule while investing in hospitality ventures.
He recently commissioned a hotel in Owerri, Imo State – the classic Nollywood playbook: make money from films, invest in real estate and hospitality. His social media presence with over 3 million Instagram followers enhances his commercial value, helping him command premium fees for action roles. His wealth derives primarily from acting fees across hundreds of films, producer credits, and those business investments that compound over time.
6. Omotola Jalade Ekeinde ($6.5-7.2 Million)
“Omosexy” built her fortune across 300+ films, a music career with two studio albums, and extensive brand partnerships. She made history in 2013 as one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People—the first African actress honoured on the list. In 2018, she became a voting member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Her endorsement portfolio includes Knorr/Unilever, Scanfrost, BO16 Hair, and Glo. She’s diversified into business ventures, including TEFFEST (The Entertainment Fair & Festival), Double Doors Studios, and Red Hot Concepts. Her philanthropic work as a UN World Food Programme Ambassador since 2005 and as an Amnesty International campaigner has enhanced her global profile, which translates into better commercial deals at home.
7. Desmond Elliot ($5-7.5 Million)
Desmond Elliot represents Nollywood’s most successful transition into politics. After appearing in over 200 films, he was elected to the Lagos State House of Assembly, representing the Surulere Constituency, in 2015. He’s won two additional terms since then and currently serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Works & Infrastructure.
His business interests include Denziot Productions and the Royal Arts Academy acting school, as well as real estate investments in Lagos. Political salaries and allowances provide substantial ongoing income beyond his entertainment earnings. It’s a smart hedge that few actors successfully execute.
8. Ramsey Nouah ($5-6 Million)
Nollywood’s “Lover Boy” has strategically transitioned from leading man to accomplished director. His directorial debut, Living in Bondage: Breaking Free, won seven AMVCA awards in 2019, establishing him as a serious filmmaker. He followed with RattleSnake: The Ahanna Story and Tòkunbò, both of which stream on Netflix.
He operates the Ramseyfilms production company and maintains his role as a Globacom ambassador. His upcoming projects include 77: The Festac Conspiracy, a sequel to 76. With over 180 films as an actor and growing directing credits, Nouah represents sustainable wealth-building through the industry’s evolution. When leading man roles dry up, directing keeps the checks coming.
9. Rita Dominic (Approximately $6 Million)
Rita Dominic achieves remarkably consistent estimates across sources, reflecting a steady wealth-building approach. She co-founded The Audrey Silva Company production house and maintains premium endorsements, including BK Unique Hair, Flat Tummy Tea, Zaron Cosmetics, Keystone Bank, and Glo.
With over 100 films and careful brand selection, she represents quality over quantity. Her Lagos mansion is valued at approximately ₦150 million. The upcoming 77: The Festac Conspiracy continues her preference for prestigious projects over high-volume production. She’s built wealth methodically rather than explosively, which often proves more sustainable.
10. Mercy Johnson Okojie (Approximately $5 Million)
Nigeria’s most prolific actress, with over 300 films, has leveraged her popularity into extensive endorsement deals. Current brand partnerships include Chi Limited/Hollandia Evap Milk, Tiger Foods/Yale Bread, Pennek Nigeria real estate, RYD Learning STEM education, Checkers Custard, Mr Chef Iodised Salt, Virony sanitary pad, and Quickteller.
Her husband operates the real estate company Henod Luxury Homes, which provides additional family wealth. She was recently appointed Special Adviser in Kogi State, adding political income to her portfolio. Her children have even secured endorsement deals with Zandas Kiddies skincare brand. It’s a family business at this point.
