Flashy, classy, and stylish are only a few adjectives we can use to describe these Nigerian actors. It is not a secret that actors are some of the wealthiest people in the world, at least, their lavish lives prove it every now and then. Have you ever wondered how rich these folks are? They might not get paid as much as their Hollywood counterparts, but one thing is certain, Nigerian actors are arguably the best and no doubt the highest paid in this part of the world.
The Nigerian film industry which is also known as Nollywood is arguably the biggest in Africa and is majorly regarded as the headquarters of Africa entertainment. Its actors are highly regarded and it does not come as a surprise that they are well paid for their fabulous acting talent which keep fans entertained and glued to their screens. Many of these actors are the popular ones we see regularly but their corresponding net worth would definitely wow you.
20. Nonso Diobi
- Net Worth: $1 Million
- Age: 47 years old
- Active Years: 2001 to date
- Other Sources of Income: Brand Endorsement Deals, Film Productions
- Best Known For: Hatred
Enugu-born actor Nonso Diobi has been in the acting scene for 2 decades. Nonso had passion for acting since he was a kid and he has been living that dream. With the support of his parents, Nonso joined the drama group in his church and while he was studying at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he later bagged a degree in theatre arts, Nonso joined the movie industry in 2001. He made his debut appearance in the film titled “The Border Line”. However, the Nollywood movie “Hatred” was instrumental in his rise to the limelight. During the course of his 20 years of acting so far, he has starred in more than 150 films.
Aside from acting, Nonso also earns money from other lucrative ventures he is into. He is a producer, director, businessman, entrepreneur, GLO Ambassador and philanthropist of note The actor is the founder and chairman of Goldentape media, a leading movie and TV production company in Africa. He is also a UN peace ambassador as well as teachers without Borders ambassador.
19. Osita Iheme
- Net Worth: $1.5 million
- Age: 42 years old
- Active Year: 2002 to date
- Other Sources of Income: Real Estate, Movie Production, Brand Endorsement Deals
- Best Known For: Aki na Ukwa (2002)
The 42 years old actor best known for his role as Pawpaw in the 2002 film Aki na Ukwa, is one of the richest actors you could think of in Nollywood. Iheme who hails from Imo state holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Lagos State University but he is one of the many celebrities who dumped their profession to pursue their dream career in Nollywood. Since he played the role of Pawpaw in Aki na Ukwa, the film that brought him to the limelight, many of his fans have till this day refer to him as Pawpaw. Osita Iheme gained more fame as he began taking up other roles in various films. His versatility as an actor helped to give him a steady rise in the entertainment industry.
In addition to his presence in Nollywood, Osita also earns an enviable income from his other career endeavors. He owns a record label known as Young Boss Record. He also has a transport company where he also earns from. He along with his on-screen brother, Chinedu Ikedieze established Aki and Pawpaw Entertainment (APEN) through which they’ve been producing movies.
Osita owns several luxurious properties in Nigeria. He even owns a house and a hotel worth millions of naira. One of his houses is located in the most expensive part of Imo State. To reward his contribution towards the growth of the Nigerian film industry, in 2011 he was awarded the Nigerian National Honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) by then President Goodluck Jonathan.
18. Yul Edochie
- Net Worth: $1.85 million
- Age: 42 years old
- Active Year: 2005 – Present
- Best Known For: Wind Of Glory
Yul Chibuike Daniel Edochie is the son of Nollywood veteran, Pete Edochie. He joined Nollywood in 2005 and was part of the film The Exquires alongside the late Justus Esiri and Enebeli Elebuwa. He made his big break in 2007 after featuring in the movie Wind of Glory” alongside Genevieve Nnaji and Desmond Elliot.
In addition to his acting career, Yul also makes huge income from several other businesses he is into. He owns an academy known as Yul Edochie Academy, which he launched in 2015.
He is also into politics. On the 14 of July 2017, Yul Edochie declared his intention to run for Governor of Anambra State. Although he wasn’t elected, he was appointed as Senior Special Assistant to the state’s governor. As it is typical with those holding government offices in Nigeria, it is assumed that the actor earned good enough money that added to his net worth.
17. Adekola Odunlade
- Net Worth: $1.9 million
- Age: 45 years old
- Active Year: 2006-present
- Other Sources of Income: Real Estate
- Best Known For: Sunday Dagboru, Alani Pamolekun, Mufu Oloosha oko
Adekola Odunlade is the only Yoruba Nollywood actor who gets a spot on our list of the top 20 richest actors in Nigeria. The actor and filmmaker began acting in 2006 after joining the Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts practitioners. He gained fame when he starred in Asiri Gomina Wa as the lead cast. His immense talent is second to none that he can fit into any role and play any character. That is why he is one of the most sought after Nollywood actors in Nigeria and the most sought after in Yoruba Nollywood,
Aside from being the highest-paid Yoruba actor after Funke Akindele Bello, Odunlade is also one of the most versatile actors ever to come out of Nigeria. The actor is the owner of Odunlade Adekola production outfit. He is also a brand ambassador to several brands and multinational organizations such as Globacom and Goldberg.
16. Kenneth Okonkwo
- Net Worth: $2 million
- Age: 55 years old
- Active Year: 1992-present
- Other Sources of Income: Businesses
- Best Known For: Living in Bondage, Breaking Free, The British Expert,
Kenneth Okonkwo is an iconic Nollywood actor whose acting career stretches back to the early 1990s. He got his breakthrough in the film industry when in starred in the 1992 film Living in Bondage, where he played the character of Mr. Andy Okeke. Andy is a professional lawyer, entrepreneur, film producer, and politician.
As one of Nollywood’s pioneers, Kenneth has won several awards. His long years of dedication to filmmaking have earned him a great deal of income. He earns his wealth from acting, film production, businesses, and possibly politics. In 2018, he announced his intentions to vie for a gubernatorial seat in Enugu state. Unfortunately, he failed to secure the seat. Even so, he is optimistic about his political ambition.
15. Kanayo O.Kanayo
- Net Worth: $2.5 million
- Age: 62 years old
- Active Year: 1992-present
- Other Sources of Income: Brand Endorsements Deals and Real estate
- Best Known For: Living in Bondage, Breaking Free, Up North
Kanayo O. Kanayo whose real name is Anayo Modestus Onyekwere is another Nollywood pioneer whose presence in the industry is still felt today. The veteran actor who is now a lawyer, made his debut movie appearance in the film Living in Bondage and the movie blew him to stardom. He has since featured in over 100 movies and has equally won a good number of awards for a job well done. Apparently, the actor receives around ₦2 million to ₦3 million per film role. This figure can go up significantly depending on the scope and budget of the film.
Outside acting, Kanayo is making meaningful income from various endeavors. At a time when his career wasn’t making ends meet, he suspended acting and concentrate on trading. He has also received many sponsorship deals, including one with Globacom. Currently, he is a United Nations Ambassador and he has a national honor from the Nigerian government as a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).
14. Emeka Ike
- Net Worth: $3 million
- Age: 57 years old
- Active Year: 1992-present
- Other Sources of Income: Politics and Businesses
- Best Known For: Deadly Affair
Emeka Ike is one unique “fine boy” in Nollywood. The prominent actor has starred in over 100 films but went on hiatus at some point on the basis that Nollywood had lost its touch. Ike joined Nollywood in 1995 as a minor actor until he landed his first major role in the 2003 movie Not Man Enough. The actor rose to prominence after starring in the film, Deadly Affair. He has since then graced the screen in numerous Nollywood movies. Some of his most popular movies include Two Become One, Passion and Pain, and Foreign Affairs, just to mention a few.
It is also good to know that the veteran actor is back to acting. Added to his successful career in acting, Emeka Ike is also earning income as a film producer and director. Outside the movie world, it is believed that he has invested in a couple of businesses. but what they are is not yet known.
13. Olu Jacobs
- Net Worth: $3.5 million
- Age: 81 years old
- Active Year: 1970s-present
- Other Sources of Income: Acting school
- Best Known For:
Having starred in several British television series and international films, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs has been hailed by many as one of the greatest and most respected African actors of his generation. With more than four decades of acting experience under his belt, he is seen as a link between the old and new breed of actors. He starred in several British television series and international films between the 1970s and 80s. While he was still in England, he featured in underground TV shows like Till Death Us Do Part, Barlow at Large, The Goodies. He was also cast in TVS’s The Witches and the Grinnygog (1983 series). In Nigeria, this veteran actor has starred in over 150 Nollywood films.
While there may be other career paths the veteran actor has taken to support himself, there is no doubt that he earned much of his $3.5 million net worth from acting. The Veteran actor owns Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts where he trains upcoming actors. The latest movies featuring him include The Royal Hibiscus Hotel (2019), Potomanto (2013)
12. Chinedu Ikedieze
- Net Worth: $3.6 million
- Age: 46 years old
- Active Year: 2000-present
- Other Sources of Income: Businesses
- Best Known For: Aki naUkwa(2002), Aka Gum (2002), Johnny Just Come(2003)
Born in Bende local government of Abia State, South-East Nigeria, Chinedu Ikedieze gained wide recognition for his works in the Nigerian film industry. Starring in Aki naUkwa (2002) as “Aki” helped him rise to fame but his continuous appearance in blockbuster films kept him at the top as one of the most widely sought-after actors in the industry even though his fans still refer to him as “Aki”.
Chinedu who is also a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic has featured in over 150 films in his career spanning over 20 years. It is through this that he earned a significant portion of his $3.6 million and invested a significant portion in a couple of businesses.
11. O.C. Ukeje
- Net Worth: $3.7 million
- Age: 42 years old
- Active Year: 2006-present
- Other Sources of Income: Modeling, Music
- Best Known For: Half of a yellow sun
Okechukwu Ukeje, a native of Umuahia, is one of the top multi-talented personalities in the show business. Although he desired to be a musician, Ukeje began his career first as an actor with a stage play during his first year in the university. OC rose to the limelight in Nollywood in 2006, after he won the Amstel Malta Box Office (AMBO). Same time, he featured in the 2007 movie – White Waters directed by Izu Ojukwu alongside Joke Silva and Rita Dominic. The film went on to win four awards at the 4th African Movie Academy Awards.
Since winning the Amstel Malta box office reality TV show, Ukeje’s acting career took shape immediately and he is now one of the richest actors in Nigeria and has starred in a host film.
10. Pete Edochie
- Net Worth: $3.8 million
- Age: 77 years old
- Active Year: 1970s-present
- Other Sources of Income: Businesses
- Best Known For: Things Fall Apart (1987)
Iconic and legendary would be the appropriate words to rate this vastly talented Nollywood actor. The Enugu-born actor, Pete Edochie first rose to fame when he starred in Things Fall Apart (1987) and has since starred in no less than 200 films.
The actor’s $3.8 million net worth was earned majorly from his long years of acting in the film industry. He often plays a fatherly figure, an influential socialite, occult member, chief, king, etc. Whatever role he takes on, Pete is sure to nail it. Aside from acting, Pete is also into business and he has made some reasonable investments in diverse businesses.
9. Nkem Owoh
- Net Worth: $4 million
- Age: 66 years old
- Active Year: 1987-present
- Other Sources of Income: Music
- Best Known For: Things Fall Apart (1987)
Well renowned for his funny character in films, the multiple award-winning actor first made waves when he starred in Things Fall Apart and then in the comedy series New Masquerade. Today, Nkem Owoh is credited in over 200 films and TV productions. His biggest act so far is Osuofia in London which received worldwide acclaim in 2003.
Aside from acting, Nkem Owoh is a recording artist. He recorded and performed “I Go Chop Your Dollar” which went viral. The actor is also into other private businesses that earn him income as well.
8. John Okafor
- Net Worth: $4.2 million
- Age: 62 years old
- Active Year: 1987-present
- Other Sources of Income: Businesses
- Best Known For: Mr. Ibu in London (2004), Mr. Ibu, (2004)
John Okafor who is more popularly known as Mr. Ibu from his lead role in the self-titled 2004 film, is one hilarious actor who climbed to the zenith of his career making people laugh. Since starring as the lead character in Mr, Ibu, he has gone on to star in over 200 films. Before joining the film industry, John Ikechukwu Okafor worked with Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS). He was also cast in the soap opera “Ogbu Anyanwu and Kwere Kira”.
John Okafor claims to be the first instructor who taught Karate in federal government colleges in Nigeria. At a time, he ventured into trading, bought fairly used shoes, shirts, medical equipment, and other items from Niger, and sold them in Nigeria. These and many more are some of what he ventured into before he switched careers to acting. Upon attaining fame in the film industry, the actor has signed brand endorsement deals with popular companies like Merrybet and GoTV. This also contributes to his income.
7. Ramsey Noah
- Net Worth: $4.5 million
- Age: 53 years old
- Active Year: 1993-present
- Other Sources of Income: Businesses, Movie Production
- Best Known For: Silent Night (1993)
The Israeli- Nigerian actor Ramsey Tokunbo Nouah Jr. started his acting career in 1993, after obtaining a diploma in mass communications at the University of Lagos. His first movie role was in the Nigerian TV soap opera Fortunes. His acting career that spans over 2 decades has seen him feature in blockbuster films like Figurine, Silent Night (1993), Fugitive (2000), Dangerous Twins (2004), Private Storm (2010), and others. The actor made his directorial debut with the film Living in Bondage: Breaking Free in 2019.
Passionate about adding value to the movie industry, Ramsey launched a movie production company called Ramseyfilms. The indigenous movie production company has produced films like Last Caller (2020), Elephant in the Room (2021), Living in Bondage (2020), Accidental Spy (2020), and others.
6. Mike Ezurounye
- Net Worth: $4.7 million
- Age: 42 years old
- Active Year: 2003-present
- Other Sources of Income: Business
- Best Known For: Broken Marriage (2003)
Lagos-born Nollywood star Mike Ezurounye is an accounting graduate of Nnamdi Azikiwe University who worked as a banker before he then ventured into acting. Over the years, Mike has become a force to be reckoned with in the Nigerian movie industry. Also, he is known for churning out films that are relatable. His professional debut was in the TV series Ultimate Hero and he got his first big role in Broken Marriage (2003).
In his quest to attain greater height in the film industry, Ezuruonye took a break to attend a film school in Canada. Upon his return, he made his official directorial debut with the movie, Divorce not Allowed and Brother Jekwu (2016). These movies were positively received both locally and internationally. Mike has extended his acting career beyond the shores of Nigeria. He has shot movies in Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia.
5. Segun Arinze
- Net Worth: $5.1 million
- Age: 58 years old
- Active Year: 2003-present
- Other Sources of Income: Endorsements, Business, Television commercials
- Best Known For: Silent Killer (1996)
Segun Arinze is a multitalented Nollywood actor who fits in perfectly in the diverse roles he has played over years. He studied dramatic arts at Obafemi Awolowo University and began acting in the early ’90s. He gained the nickname ‘Black Arrow’ after featuring in a movie with the same name. However, it was music that first shot him into prominence, and that was after the release of his debut album, ‘Dream’, which was not particularly commercial success, however.
Segun Arinze’s source of income mostly comes from his career as an actor and he has appeared in quite a number of them: 30 Days, Extra Time, Women in Love, Anini, Darkest Night, Across the Niger, Church Business, To Love a Thief, Fragile Pain, Silent Night, Family on Fire, A Place in the Stars, Invasion 1897 and An eye for an eye.
Arinze was formerly the president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN). Currently, he works as an acting coach at an African international film institute. He also works as an entertainment consultant and voice-over artist.
4. Chidi Mokeme
- Net Worth: $5.1 million
- Age: 52 years old
- Active Year: 1995-2016
- Other Sources of Income: Endorsements, Business, Television commercials
- Best Known For: Gulder Ultimate Search Reality-show
Chidi Mokeme who hails from Oba in Anambra State at a time was a very popular Nollywood actor. With a degree in Computer Science which he obtained from the Institute of Management Technology in Enugu, Chidi joined the show business in 1995 as a model before turning into acting in 2003. He, however, came to the limelight when he anchored the first two editions of the Gulder Ultimate Search talent hunt show. Some of his notable films include Abuja Connection, Fire Dancer, and His Excellency.
Aside from acting and show hosting, Chidi Mokeme is also into other businesses. He is reportedly working on establishing his wine brand “Baron by Chidi Mokeme” and a production outfit called “Renegade Productions”. He also owns the ‘Chidi Mokeme Foundation’ which sponsors a lot of mentorship and life coaching for people in need of such.
3. Desmond Elliot
- Net Worth: $11 million
- Age: 52 years old
- Active Year: 2002-2015
- Other Sources of Income: Business, Politics
- Best Known For: Soap operas like Everyday People, One Too Much, and Saints and Sinners
Desmond Oluwashola Elliot is a Nigerian actor, director, and politician. He became a member of the Lagos House of Representatives in 2015, representing Surulere Constituency. He joined the movie industry through the influence of a friend and started acting in soap operas like Everyday People, One Too Much, and Saints and Sinners. Today, he has starred in over a hundred films including Yahoo million, Men who cheat, Atlanta, and others.
As a producer, Elliot co-produced and co-directed the 2008 movie Reloaded. He has also been involved in the Face of Hope Project to help fix child illiteracy in Nigeria and Africa. Elliot is involved in public relations for Globacom. He most recently appeared in the movie When Love Happens in 2014. Desmond is married and has four children.
2. Richard Mofe Damijo
- Net Worth: $17 million
- Age: 62 years old
- Active Year: 2002-present
- Other Sources of Income: Adverts, endorsements, Business, Politics
- Best Known For: Out of Bounds
Born and brought up in the Aladja community of the Udu Kingdom, in Warri, Delta State, Richard Mofe Damijo (aka RMD) is a renowned Nigerian actor and former Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Delta State. He began his acting career in the ’80s and is still very much active even to this present day.
While he pursued a degree in Law from 1997 to 1999, he featured as one of the lead actors in films like Hostages, Scores to Settle, Diamond Ring, Freedom, and Out of Bounds – the first film he wrote and produced. RMD took a break from Nollywood from 2007 to 2013 to concentrate on politics. This was after he was appointed the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Delta State.
1. Jim Iyke
- Net Worth: $30 million
- Age: 47 years old
- Active Year: 2001
- Other Sources of Income: Endorsements, Private Business
- Best Known For: Beyonce & Rihanna
Jim Iyke tops our list of 20 richest Nigerian actors. The Nollywood Casanova has featured in over 150 films and is a recipient of multiple awards. Iyke’s full name is James Ikechukwu Esomugha. He was born in Libreville, Gabon to parents of Igbo origin. His acting career began in 2001 and his first movie role was in $1: One Dollar. Other films he’s appeared in include Between Kings and Queens, Last Flight to Abuja, The Mechanic-Who Is the Man, And Then There Was You, and Palace War. He also starred in the 2008 video blockbuster movie Beyonce & Rihanna.
Jim Iyke owns a movie production company, Untamed Productions, which he founded in 2007. The actor also owns a music label known as Untamed Records. He produced his first album titled ‘Who Am I?’ featuring some of Nigeria’s top musicians such as TuFace Idibia, and Sound Sultan.
A combination of all his endeavors in the entertainment industry has helped him to a net worth of $30 million which he is currently enjoying. He doesn’t spend his money only on himself though, the Nollywood actor is the founder of the Jim lyke Foundation for Children with Special Disabilities.
Summary List of the 20 Richest Actors in Nigeria
1. Jim Iyke – Net Worth: $30 million
2. Richard Mofe Damijo – Net Worth: $17 million
3. Desmond Elliot – Net Worth: $11 million
4. Chidi Mokeme – Net Worth: $5.1 million
5. Segun Arinze – Net Worth: $5.1 million
6. Mike Ezurounye – Net Worth: $4.7 million
7. Ramsey Noah – Net Worth: $4.5 million
8. John Okafor – Net Worth: $4.2 million
9. Nkem Owoh – Net Worth: $4 million
10. Pete Edochie – Net Worth: $3.8 million
11. O.C. Ukeje – Net Worth: $3.7 million
12. Chinedu Ikedieze – Net Worth: $3.6 million
13. Olu Jacobs – Net Worth: $3.5 million
14. Emeka Ike – Net Worth: $3 million
15. Kanayo O.Kanayo – Net Worth: $2.5 million
16. Kenneth Okonkwo – Net Worth: $2 million
17. Adekola Odunlade – Net Worth: $1.9 million
18. Yul Edochie – Net Worth: $1.85 million
19. Osita Iheme – Net Worth: $1.5 million
20. Nonso Diobi – Net Worth: $1 Million