Nigerian actors, known for their outstanding performances on screen, have not only made a name for themselves in the entertainment industry but have also enriched their bank accounts. Beyond the cameras, they’ve ventured into smart business moves, endorsements, and other lucrative ventures that contribute to their wealth. In this article, we’ll look at the top 10 richest actors in Nigeria along with their net worth and ventures that have contributed to their success.
Here is the list of the richest Nigerian actors in no particular order.
Kunle Afolayan
Kunle Afolayan is not just an actor but also a director and film producer in the Nollywood industry He is well known for telling stories that mix tradition with modern life.
Kunle isn’t just in front of the camera; he’s also the boss behind it. As a director, he makes movies that are a mix of simple and complex stories. In 2021, he struck a deal with Netflix to make three feature films, including the movie ‘Swallow’, a deal which has since been renewed. He is the Founder of KAP Film & Television Academy, a film production learning institution which has its own film village and resort in Oyo state.He is also the CEO of Golden Effects pictures , a Film production company which produced some blockbusters like october 1(2014), The CEO (2016), Mokalik (2019), Anikulapo (2022)which got the most nominations at the 2023 AMVCA with 16 nominations, and the recently released Anikulapo : rise of the sceptre. He has seveal production deals with top movie companies in the world. Kunle Afolayan has an estimated networth of $15 million
Richard Mofe Damijo (RMD)
Richard Mofe-Damijo, known as RMD, is a highly respected Nigerian actor, writer, producer, lawyer, and former journalist. He gained recognition for his writing with publications in The Concord before venturing into acting. In 2005, he won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. RMD has also made significant contributions to culture and tourism, serving as a Special Adviser and later Commissioner in Delta State. His versatile career and outstanding achievements, including a Lifetime Achievement Award, showcase his enduring impact on the Nigerian entertainment industry and cultural landscape. RMD is one of the most marketable brands in Nigerian entertainment and one of the richest actors in Nigeria with several ‘brand ambassadorships’.RMD has an estimated networth of $ 8 million
Desmond Elliot
Desmond Elliot is a Nigerian actor, director, and politician who has made a huge impact in the Nigerian entertainment industry.Elliot gained prominence as an actor, starring in numerous Nollywood films and television series. His acting career, which began in the early 2000s, earned him widespread recognition and a reputation as one of the leading actors in the Nigerian film industry.Elliot transitioned into politics. In 2015, he was elected as a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, representing the Surulere Constituency.Although he’s now a politician , he still gets to act on his free time.This puts him on the list as one of the top 10 richest actors in Nigeria.
Ramsey Nouah
Ramsey Nouah is a prominent Nigerian actor, director, producer and one of the most recognizable and respected faces in the Nigerian entertainment scene.With a career that took off in the early 1990s, Nouah has become a veteran in the Nollywood industry.Apart from acting, Ramsey Nouah has ventured into film production and directing. He is the CEO of Ramsey nouah films , which has produced movies like ; living in bondage, the accidental spy, 76 and 30 days in Atlanta. He is also a brand ambassador of several brands across the continent.He is estimated to be worth around $7 million
Jim Iyke
James Ikechukwu Esomugha popularly known as Jim Iyke is a renowned Nigerian actor and entrepreneur. The ex-husband of Dana Kinduryte has built a successful career in the Nigerian film industry since the early 2000s, and he quickly rose to prominence due to his charismatic performances and versatility in portraying a wide range of characters.In addition to his acting career, Jim Iyke has explored entrepreneurship, establishing businesses in various sectors. His ventures include a bottled water company, a clothing line, and real estate. He has has deals with dstv and other notable brands. This makes his net worth reportedly around $6 million mark
Kanayo Kanayo
Kanayo O. Kanayo, is a renowned Nigerian actor who has made significant contributions to the country’s entertainment industry
Kanayo Kanayo’s acting career spans several decades, during which he has portrayed diverse roles.He is widely recognized for his ability to bring depth and authenticity to his characters, earning him a reputation as one of the industry’s most respected actors.
Apart from his success in acting, Kanayo Kanayo has been involved in various philanthropic and community-oriented activities. He is also known for his advocacy work, particularly in areas related to education and youth empowerment. Kanayo Kanayo’s wealth is often attributed to his successful acting career, highly successful friends and involvement in other ventures.
Odunlade Adekola
Odunlade Adekola isknown for his contributions to the Yoruba film industry. Born on December 31, 1978, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, Adekola has become one of the most popular and successful actors in the Nigerian entertainment scene. In addition to his acting career, Odunlade Adekola has ventured into film production and directing, further establishing his influence in the Yoruba film industry.Odunlade Adekola’s popularity and success has not only earned him numerous awards but have also contributed to his financial prosperity. Odunlade has featured in hundreds of commercially succesful movies and he is also the CEO of dunlade Adekola Film Production which co produced the 2023 hit movie Orisa , which earned ₦127,898,950 at the box office.
Femi Adebayo
Femi Adebayo is a film director, actor, lawyer, producer and politician. He currently serves as the Special Adviser to the Governor of Kwara State on Arts, Culture, and Tourism.
Femi Adebayo made his debut in the film industry, featuring in his father’s 1985 movie, “Ogun Ajaye.” Since then, he has left an indelible mark, starring in over 500 Nigerian films.His talent and dedication to his craft has earned him several awards, including the Best Yoruba Actor at the 17th African Film Awards and the Best of Nollywood Broadcasting Organization of Nigeria Awards in 2012. Femi is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of J-15 Media Network Nigeria. He is also the CEO of Euphoria 360 Media, a company specializing in media consulting, film production, and management. The company is behind the production of “King of Thieves,” a movie that ranks as the 8th highest-grossing Nigerian movies of all time. Additionally, Femi Adebayo’s company also produced the movie Jagun Jagun. He is also a brand ambassador for Startimes, Trophy lager beer, Samsung Nigeria, unique motors , among others.
Tobi Bakre
Tobi Bakre is known for his roles as an actor, model, host, compere, and photographer. His journey to fame began when he emerged as a finalist in the Big Brother Naija (season 3) reality TV show in 2018, capturing the attention of the whole continent. Before his venture into the entertainment industry, Tobi Bakre was as an investment banker, with experience in the office of the Accountant General of the Federation and the banking industry for four years. He has since become a brand ambassador for reputable companies such as Unilever, Amstel Malta, and Jumia, both within and outside Nigeria.
In 2023, Tobi Bakre received the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award (AMVCA) for Best Actor in a Drama, Movie, or TV Series. Tobi has made a mark in the film industry, featuring in successful movies such as “Brotherhood” (2022) and “Gangs of Lagos” (2023), which achieved box office success.
Zubby Michael
Zubby Michael, born Azubuike Michael Egwu, is a Nigerian actor, producer, and entrepreneur known for his contributions to the Nollywood film industry. Zubby Michael’s acting career took off in the early 2000s, and he quickly made a name for himself with his charismatic and versatile portrayals of characters in both Igbo and English-language films. He is known for his ability to seamlessly switch between different roles, making him a sought-after actor in the Nigerian entertainment scene. He has an estimated networth of $5 million putting him on the list of the top 10 richest actors in Nigeria
