In this article, we are going to bring to you the current list of the top 10 richest actors and actresses in Nigeria.
Many people keep asking questions like, who is the richest Nollywood actor? Who is the richest Nollywood actress? Who is the highest-paid actor in Nigeria? and a lot more, and that leads us to this article.
If you are also willing to know this continue reading! We have covered everything you need to know about Nollywood actors/actresses and also bring to you the top 10 richest among all.
You may like: Davido Net Worth 2022 (Latest Update!)
The Nigerian movie industry better called Nollywood is the biggest movie industry in Africa and among the best in the world. Created in the 1960s, It has risen to the top and is undoubtedly a well-recognized movie industry worldwide.
This movie industry has produced a lot of talents that are massively doing fine at home and abroad having so many achievements.
These actors/actresses are not only making the country proud but also making awesome cash along the way, and do I need to tell you this? Acting is a profession that is seriously paying as far as Nigeria is concerned.
Many people who are into acting in Nigeria are handsomely doing well financially. Some of them even have other investments that are fetching them money. They also make cool money in other aspects like endorsement deals, brand ambassadors, etc. Without wasting time, let us bring to the list of the richest among all.
Also read: Kelly Bhadie’s biography, age, country, Net worth, Tiktok account/videos
Top 10 Richest Actors and Actresses in Nigeria
| Rank | Name | Net Worth |
| 01 | Jim Iyke | US$30 million (12.4 billion Naira) |
| 02 | Genevieve Nnaji | US$12 million (5 billion Naira) |
| 03 | Desmond Elliot | US$10 million (4.1 billion Naira) |
| 04 | Zubby Michael | US$9.6 million (3.9 billion Naira) |
| 05 | Funke Akindele | US$7.6 million (3.1 billion Naira) |
| 06 | Okojie Richard Mofe | US$7 million (2.9 billion Naira) |
| 07 | Mercy Johnson | US$5 million (2 billion Naira) |
| 08 | John Okafor | US$4.5 million (1.8 billion Naira) |
| 09 | Ramsey Noah | US$4.2 million (1.7 billion Naira) |
| 10 | Pete Edochie | US$4 million (1.6 billion Naira) |
1. Jim Iyke – US$30 million (12.4 billion Naira)
James Ikechukwu Esomugha who is professionally known as Jim Iyke is a Nigerian actor and musician from Anambra state. He was born on the 25th of September 1976 in Libreville, Gabon to Nigeria parents, Stephen Okolue, and Ngozi Gladys Okelue Esomugha.
Jim Iyke who is among the highest paid actors in Nigeria started his acting career in 2001. Since then, this talented actor continues feeding us with marvelous movies and as of now, he has over 150 film appearances.
In 2009, Jim Iyke released a music album titled “Who Am I” featuring popular artists like 2baba and the late Sound Sultan. The album was no doubt the talk of the moment making him more influential in Nigerian entertainment.
Jim Iyke is undoubtedly among the most popular actors in Nigeria. He was even awarded as the most searched Nigerian actor during the 2021 Net Honours award.
He is is the CEO of the popular movie production company, “Untamed Productions”, and he also owned a music record label called “Untamed records”.
Jim Iyke’s estimated net worth is US$30 million, which is about 12.4 billion in Naira. He is so far the richest Nigerian actor.
2. Genevieve Nnaji – US$12 million (5 billion Naira)
Genevieve is an award-winning Nigerian actress, producer, and director. Born on the 3rd of May 1979 to Nigerian parents. Her father Theophilus Nnaji is an engineer and her mother Benedatte Nnaji was a teacher in a Nursery school.
This beautiful actress started acting at the age of 8. At the age of 19, Genevieve was featured in a very hot Nigerian movie titled “Most Wanted”. This movie contributed to her breakthrough in Nollywood followed by Last Party, Mark of the Beast, Ijele, and some other hot movies like Blood Sisters, Lionheart, Private Sin, and many more.
Genevieve is also regarded as a very successful actress in Nigeria having so many achievements. So far, she won about eleven awards out of 22 nominations. These include Outstanding Foreign Film/World Cinema Motion Picture, Best Actress in Leading Role, Best Actress Drama/TV Series, Best Movie West Africa, Best Actress TV Series, etc.
Genevieve estimated net worth is US$12 million (5 billion Naira), making her the richest Nigerian actress.
3. Desmond Elliot – US$10 million (4.1 billion Naira)
Desmond Oluwashola Elliot is the third richest actor in Nollywood. He was born on the 4th of February 1974 to a Lagos father and a Delta state mother.
This talented actor was influenced by a friend to pursue a career in acting. His first appearance in the movie was in 2002, a movie titled “Jesu Mushin”. However, he started acting by playing roles in soap operas like One Too Much, Everyday People, and Saints and Sinners.
Currently, Desmond Elliot is no doubt a successful and well-recognized actor having over 200 movie appearances. Some of his hit movies include Magic Love, My Faithful Friend, Images in the Mirror, A Night in the Philippines, 30 Days in Atlanta, Kiss and Tell, Men Who Cheat, etc.
His ability to act and produced excellent movies have brought him over three nominations including the African Movie Academy Awards. He was also awarded as the best supporting actor in a drama at the 2nd Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards.
In 2014, Desmond Elliot declared his interest in politics. He contested for State House of Assembly representing the Surulere Constituency, Lagos State in the All Progressive Congress (APC). That was in the 2015 General Elections, and he amazingly won.
His political career continues smoothly as he re-contests for the same post and the same party in the 2019 general election. He won again and continues representing his people to date.
Desmond Elliot’s estimated net worth is US$10 million (4.1 billion Naira), making him the third richest Actor in Nigerian.
4. Zubby Michael – US$9.6 million (3.9 billion Naira)
Zubby Michael whose real name is Zubby Azubuike Michael Egwu is a professional Nollywood actor and movie producer. Born on the 1st of February 1985 in Anambra to Nigerian parents.
He attended his primary and secondary education in Yola, Adamawa State where he was raised. After graduation, he returns to his state and continues his education at the tertiary level at Nnamdi Azikiwe University and graduated with a degree in Mass Communication.
Zubby Michael started acting at a tender age during his education time in Adamawa with a movie titled “Missing Rib”. However, the movie that took him to the limelight is “The Three Windows” where he played a major role.
So far, Zubby Michael has made his way to the top having a lot of hit movies like Son of No Man, Burial Battle, Yahoo King, Our Father’s Property, Sound of Calamity, Blood Feud, and many more.
This talented Actor was awarded the “Movie Icon of the Year” in the 2018 South East Entertainment Award. He was also appointed in 2019 as the special advisor on Media to Willie Obiano, Anambra State Governor.
Zubby Michael estimated net worth is US$9.6 million, which is about 3.9 billion in Naira.
5. Funke Akindele – US$7.6 million (3.1 billion Naira)
Akindele-Bello Olufunke Ayotunde who is professionally known as Funke Akindele is the fifth on this list. She is an award-winning Nigerian film producer and actress, born on the 24h of August 1977.
Funke Akindele rose to the limelight after playing a role in a debut movie titled “Jenifa”, and that was where got the nickname “Jenifa”. Some of her other hit movies are Omo Ghetto, Jenifa’s Diary, etc.
She was recently nominated as Lagos state governorship running mate under Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 Nigerian general election.
Funke Akindele estimated net worth is US$7.6 million, which is about 3.1 billion in Naira
6. Okojie Richard Mofe – US$7 million (2.9 billion Naira)
Okojie Richard Mofe who is popularly known for his acronym RMD can not be left out on this list.
RMD is an award-winning Nigerian actor, writer, producer, and also politician. Born on the 6th of July 1961 in the Udu Kingdom, Delta State.
He began his career as an actor after graduating from the University of Benin with a degree in Theatre Arts. RMD is no doubt among the highest paid actors in Nollywood receiving about two million Naira per movie.
In 2008, he was appointed as a Special Adviser of Culture and Tourism to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan in Delta state. Due to his vibrant representation in the office, he was chosen as the commissioner of Culture and Tourism the following year.
Okojie Richard Mofe estimated net worth is US$7 million, which is about 2.9 billion in Naira.
7. Mercy Johnson – US$5 million (2 billion Naira)
The born talented Nigerian actress, film director, and film producer, Mercy Johnson Okojie also Merrit the list of Top 10 Richest Actors and Actresses in Nigeria with an estimated net worth of US$5 million, which is about 2 billion in Naira.
8. John Okafor – US$4.5 million (1.8 billion Naira)
John Okafor who is professionally known as Mr. Ibu has an estimated net worth of US$4.5 million (1.8 billion Naira), making him among the top 10 richest actors in Nigeria.
9. Ramsey Noah – US$4.2 million (1.7 billion Naira)
The Nigerian award-winning actor Ramsey Tokunbo Nouah Jr has an estimated net worth of US$4.2 million, which is about 1.7 billion in Naira. Making him among the top 10 richest Nigerian actors.
10. Pete Edochie – US$4 million (1.6 billion Naira)
Nollywood legend, producer, businessman, television personality, and philanthropist, Pete Edochie can not be left out on this list.
He merits the list of the top 10 richest actors in Nigeria with an estimated net worth of US$4 million, which is about 1.6 billion in Naira.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the richest actor in Nigeria right now?
The richest actor in Nigeria right now is James Ikechukwu Esomugha (Jim Iyke) with an estimated net worth of US$30 million, which is about 12.4 billion in Naira.
Who is the richest actress in Nollywood?
The richest actress in Nollywood is Genevieve Nnaji with an estimated net worth of US$12 million, which is about 5 billion in Naira.
Is Zubby Michael the richest actor in Nigeria?
No, the richest actor in Nigeria is James Ikechukwu Esomugha (Jim Iyke). However, Zubby Michael is among the top 10 richest actors in Nigeria with an estimated net worth of US$9.6 million (3.9 billion Naira).
Who is the highest paid in Nollywood 2022?
The highest paid in Nollywood 2022 is Okojie Richard Mofe (RMD), he received about two million Naira per movie.
Richest Nollywood actors and actresses
The table below contains the top 10 richest actors and actresses in Nigeria and their net worth:
| Rank | Name | Net Worth |
| 01 | Jim Iyke | US$30 million (12.4 billion Naira) |
| 02 | Genevieve Nnaji | US$12 million (5 billion Naira) |
| 03 | Desmond Elliot | US$10 million (4.1 billion Naira) |
| 04 | Zubby Michael | US$9.6 million (3.9 billion Naira) |
| 05 | Funke Akindele | US$7.6 million (3.1 billion Naira) |
| 06 | Okojie Richard Mofe | US$7 million (2.9 billion Naira) |
| 07 | Mercy Johnson | US$5 million (2 billion Naira) |
| 08 | John Okafor | US$4.5 million (1.8 billion Naira) |
| 09 | Ramsey Noah | US$4.2 million (1.7 billion Naira) |
| 10 | Pete Edochie | US$4 million (1.6 billion Naira) |
In conclusion
So far, this is the list of the top 10 richest actors and actresses in Nigeria. We will keep on updating the list if there is any change.
Do you have any opinion or anything you think we miss out on? As usual, you can let us know how you about this list by using the comment section, thanks for your time.
8 comments
Wow, this article is such a valuable resource! I’ve always been fascinated by the Nigerian film industry and its talented actors and actresses. It’s great to see a comprehensive list of the top 10 richest actors and actresses, along with the latest updates. This website never fails to provide all the trending news in the entertainment world. Keep up the fantastic work! Gary Ford