Top 25 richest Nollywood actors and their net worth in 2026

Nollywood continues to produce talented actors who shine on screen and earn big off it. Stars like Genevieve Nnaji, Jim Iyke, and Ramsey Nouah have turned their fame into fortune. In this article, we reveal the top 25 richest Nollywood actors and their net worth in 2026, highlighting how lucrative the industry has become.

Key takeaways

• Nollywood actors are earning significant wealth through acting, endorsements, and business ventures.
• Genevieve Nnaji, Jim Iyke, and Ramsey Nouah are among the richest Nollywood actors in 2026.
• The industry’s growth has created lucrative opportunities for both veteran and rising stars.

Richest Nollywood actors and their net worth in 2026

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Acting is one of the highest-paying careers in Nigeria. Additionally, Nollywood not only benefits actors. Scriptwriters, producers, directors, costume designers, make-up artists, and more people are making it big in this industry.

Here are the top 20 richest Nollywood actors in 2026 and their net worth. Note that the list is based on figures given online and may exclude wealthy actors who have kept their details private.

25. Deyemi Okanlawon - $500,000

• Date of birth: 19 February 1985
• Birthplace: Lagos, Nigeria
• Spouse: Dunni Okanlawon
• Occupation: Actor, Producer

Actor Deyemi Okanlawon is a versatile Nigerian actor known for his roles in films like The Wedding Party and The Set Up. He has also made significant contributions to Nigerian theatre and television.

Beyond acting, Deyemi is involved in film production and has invested in various entertainment projects, enhancing his financial portfolio.

24. Nonso Diobi - $1 million

• Date of birth: 17 May 1976
• Birthplace: Enugu, Nigeria
• Occupation: Actor

Nonso Diobi is a veteran Nollywood actor who gained fame in the early 2000s. While he has appeared in numerous films, his financial ventures outside of acting, such as investments in real estate, have significantly bolstered his net worth.

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23. Alexx Ekubo - $1.5 million

• Date of birth: 10 April 1986
• Birthplace: Port Harcourt, Nigeria
• Spouse: Fancy Acholonu (engaged, but later called off)
• Occupation: Actor, Model

Alexx Ekubo is a prominent Nigerian actor and model, recognised for his roles in films such as The Mirror Boy and Ladies Men. He has also ventured into entrepreneurship, launching his own fashion line and participating in various brand endorsements, which contribute to his wealth.

22. Yul Edochie - $1.85 million

• Date of birth: 7 January 1982
• Birthplace: Lagos, Nigeria
• Spouse: May Yul-Edochie
• Children: Five
• Occupation: Actor, Director

Son of legendary actor Pete Edochie, Yul Edochie, has carved his own path in Nollywood. He has acted in numerous films and has also ventured into film production and directing. Yul Edochie's political aspirations and involvement in various business ventures have contributed to his financial standing.

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21. Odunlade Adekola - $2 million

• Date of birth: 31 December 1978
• Birthplace: Otun Ekiti, Nigeria
• Spouse: Ruth Adekola
• Children: Four
• Occupation: Actor, Producer, Director

Actor Odunlade Adekola is a renowned Yoruba actor and filmmaker. He has produced and directed several successful films and has a strong presence on social media, which he leverages for brand endorsements and promotions, enhancing his income.

20. Emeka Ike - $2 million

• Born: 22 March 1967
• Birthplace: Lagos, Nigeria
• Spouse: Yvonne Nkechi
• Children: Four
• Occupation: Actor, Producer

Emeka Ike is a veteran Nollywood actor who gained fame in the 1990s. After relocating to Germany, he continued his acting career and expanded into producing and directing films. Today, Emeka Ike is among the top 20 richest Nollywood actors in 2026. His diversified investments, including properties in Europe, have significantly increased his wealth.

19. Olu Jacobs - $2 million

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• Date of birth: 11 July 1942
• Birthplace: Abuja, Nigeria
• Spouse: Joke Silva
• Children: Two
• Occupation: Actor

Olu Jacobs is a legendary Nigerian actor with a career spanning over five decades. He has starred in numerous films and television series, both in Nigeria and internationally. Olu Jacobs' long-standing career and investments in the entertainment industry have contributed to his substantial wealth.

18. Pete Edochie - $2 million

• Date of birth: 7 March1947
• Birthplace: Enugu, Nigeria
• Spouse: Josephine Edochie
• Children: Six
• Occupation: Actor

Pete Edochie is a veteran Nigerian actor known for his commanding presence in films. He has also invested in real estate and other ventures, which have contributed to his financial success. Today, Pete Edochie is among the top 50 richest Nollywood actors in 2026.

17. Mike Ezuruonye - $2 million

• Date of birth: 21 September 1982
• Birthplace: Lagos, Nigeria
• Spouse: Nkechi Nnorom
• Children: Two
• Occupation: Actor, Director

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Mike Ezuruonye is a Nigerian actor and director known for his roles in Nollywood films. He has also ventured into film production and owns a production company, which has contributed to his wealth. Mike Ezuruonye married Nkechi Nnorom in 2010.

16. Nkem Owoh - $2.5 million

• Date of birth: 7 February 1958
• Birthplace: Udi, Nigeria
• Occupation: Actor

Nkem Owoh is a Nigerian actor and comedian known for his roles in Nollywood films. He has also invested in various businesses, including a film production company, which has contributed to his financial standing. Besides being an actor, Nkem Owoh is a comedian.

15. Osita Iheme (Paw Paw) - $2.5 million

• Date of birth: 20 February 1982
• Birthplace: Mbaitoli, Nigeria
• Occupation: Actor

Osita Iheme, popularly known as Paw Paw, is a Nigerian actor renowned for his roles in Nollywood films. He has also ventured into entrepreneurship, owning several businesses, including a publishing company, which contributes to his wealth.

14. Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki) - $2.5 million

• Date of birth: 12 December 1977
• Birthplace: Bende, Nigeria
• Spouse: Nneoma Ikedieze
• Children: One
• Occupation: Actor

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Chinedu Ikedieze, known for his role as Aki, is a Nigerian actor who has appeared in numerous Nollywood films. He has also invested in real estate and other ventures, contributing to his financial success.

13. Ini Edo - $2.5 million

• Date of birth: 23 April 1982
• Birthplace: Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
• Occupation: Actress, producer, and entrepreneur

As of 2025, Ini Edo's estimated net worth is approximately $5 million. Her wealth is attributed to her extensive career in Nollywood, entrepreneurial ventures, brand endorsements, and social media influence. Ini Edo has appeared in over 200 films and has diversified her income through various business endeavours.

12. Segun Arinze - $3 million

• Date of birth: 24 September 24, 1965
• Birthplace: Onitsha, Nigeria
• Occupation: Actor

Segun Arinze is a veteran Nollywood actor known for his commanding presence in films. He has also ventured into directing and producing, contributing to his wealth. Additionally, Segun Arinze has invested in real estate and other business ventures, further enhancing his financial standing.

11. Kenneth Okonkwo - $3 million

• Date of birth: 6 November 1970
• Birthplace: Nsukka, Nigeria
• Spouse: Ifeoma Okonkwo
• Children: Two
• Occupation: Actor, Politician

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Actor Kenneth Okonkwo is renowned for his role in the iconic Nollywood film Living in Bondage. A trained lawyer, he transitioned into acting and later ventured into politics.

Kenneth Okonkwo served as a spokesperson for the Labour Party during the 2023 elections but resigned in early 2025 due to internal conflicts. Despite his political endeavours, he remains active in the entertainment industry and has investments in real estate and other ventures, contributing to his estimated net worth of $3 million.

10. Ramsey Nouah - $4 million

• Date of birth: 19 December 1970
• Birthplace: Lagos, Nigeria
• Spouse: Emelia Philips-Nouah
• Children: Three
• Occupation: Actor, Director

Ramsey Nouah, often referred to as the "Lover Boy" of Nollywood, has had a prolific career spanning over three decades. He won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2010. Ramsey is among the top 10 richest Nollywood actors and actresses in 2026.

In recent years, Nouah has expanded his career into directing, with notable works including 76 and Oghenekome. His diverse roles and directorial ventures have solidified his position in the industry, with an estimated net worth of $4 million.

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9. Chidi Mokeme - $4.5 million

• Date of birth: 17 March 1972
• Birthplace: Anambra, Nigeria
• Spouse: Jean Chinwe Mokeme
• Children: One
• Occupation: Actor

Chidi Mokeme is celebrated for his role in the movie 76 and as the host of the reality show Gulder Ultimate Search. He hails from Oba in Anambra State and has been a prominent figure in Nollywood for over two decades. Chidi Mokeme's versatility in acting and hosting has earned him recognition and a steady stream of income, contributing to his estimated net worth of $5 million. He is among the richest Nollywood actors in 2025.

8. Mercy Johnson Okojie - $5 million

• Date of birth: 28 August 1984
• Birthplace: Lagos, Nigeria
• Spouse: Prince Odianosen Okojie
• Children: Four
• Occupation: Actress, Entrepreneur

Actress Mercy Johnson is a renowned actress known for her versatile roles in Nollywood films. She has also ventured into entrepreneurship, with investments in various businesses. Okojie's estimated net worth is approximately $5 million, reflecting her success in both acting and business.

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7. Desmond Elliot - $5 million

• Date of birth: 4 February 1974
• Birthplace: Lagos, Nigeria
• Spouse: Victoria Elliot
• Children: Four
• Occupation: Actor, Politician

Desmond Elliot is a seasoned actor and director who transitioned into politics, serving as a lawmaker in the Lagos State House of Assembly. His extensive acting career and political engagements have contributed to his estimated net worth of $5 million. Desmond is among the top 10 richest actors in Nigeria.

6. Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD) - $5 million

• Date of birth: 6 July 1961
• Birthplace: Aladja, Nigeria
• Spouse: Mary Ellen Mofe-Damijo (deceased), Jumobi Adegbesan
• Children: Five
• Occupation: Actor, Politician

Richard Mofe-Damijo, affectionately known as RMD, is a veteran actor who transitioned into politics, serving as the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Delta State from 2009 to 2015. Richard Mofe-Damijo's illustrious acting career, combined with his political engagements, has bolstered his wealth. RMD's estimated net worth stands at $5 million.

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5. Funke Akindele - $6 million

• Date of birth: 24 August 1977
• Birthplace: Ikorodu, Nigeria
• Spouse: JJC Skillz (Abdulrasheed Bello)
• Children: Two
• Occupation: Actress, Producer, Entrepreneur

Funke Akindele is a prominent actress and producer known for her role in the popular TV series Jenifa's Diary. She has also ventured into entrepreneurship, with investments in various businesses. Akindele's estimated net worth is $6 million, reflecting her success in the entertainment industry.

4. Omotola Jalade Ekeinde - $7.2 million

• Date of birth: 7 February 1978
• Birthplace: Lagos, Nigeria
• Spouse: Matthew Ekeinde
• Children: Four
• Occupation: Actress, Singer, Philanthropist

Actress Omotola Jalade Ekeinde is a multifaceted entertainer with a career spanning over two decades. She has appeared in over 300 films and is recognised for her philanthropic efforts. Ekeinde's diverse ventures, including music and activism, have contributed to her estimated net worth of $7.2 million.

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3. Zubby Michael - $8 million

• Date of birth: 1 February 1985
• Birthplace: Anambra, Nigeria
• Occupation: Actor, Producer

Zubby Michael is a prominent figure in Nollywood, known for his roles in various films and his production ventures. He has a significant presence on social media, which he leverages for brand endorsements and promotions. Michael's estimated net worth is $8 million, reflecting his success in the entertainment industry.

2. Genevieve Nnaji - $10 million

• Date of birth: 3 May 1979
• Birthplace: Mbaise, Nigeria
• Children: One
• Occupation: Actress, Producer, Director

The talented Genevieve Nnaji is a renowned actress, producer, and director known for her roles in Nollywood films. She made history with her directorial debut, Lionheart, which was Nigeria's first-ever submission for the Oscars. Nnaji's estimated net worth is $10 million, reflecting her success in the entertainment industry.

1. Jim Iyke - $12 million

• Date of birth: 25 September 1976
• Birthplace: Libreville, Gabon (of Nigerian descent)
• Spouse: Dana Kinduryte
• Children: One
• Occupation: Actor, Entrepreneur

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Jim Iyke is a Nigerian actor and entrepreneur known for his roles in Nollywood films. He has appeared in over 150 movies and has ventured into various business ventures, including a bottled water company and a fashion brand. Iyke's estimated net worth is $12 million, reflecting his success in both acting and business. Jim Iyke is the richest Nollywood actor as of 2026.

Is Zubby Michael the richest actor in Nigeria?

While Zubby Michael is among the richest actors in Nigeria, he is not the richest. Jim Iyke takes that position.

Who is the richest Nollywood actor in 2026?

The wealthiest Nigerian actor is Jim Iyke, with a net worth of s $12 million.

How much do Nollywood actors get paid?

Nollywood actors are paid between N200,000 and N400,000 per film.

Who is the richest Nigerian actress?

Genevieve Nnaji is considered Nigeria's richest actress, with an estimated net worth of $10 million.

These actors prove that talent and smart investments pay off. Looking at the richest Nollywood actors and their net worth in 2026 gives insight into their success. Their earnings continue to inspire aspiring stars in the industry.

DISCLAIMER: The figures and rankings presented in this list are based on publicly available information, estimates from credible sources, and industry reports. Actual earnings and net worths may vary due to undisclosed contracts, business ventures, or private income. This list is intended for informational purposes only and does not claim to be an exact representation of any actor’s personal finances.

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Legit.ng recently published a list of the richest musicians globally. It is interesting to see the list having some changes yearly. The international music industry has very stiff competition. New musicians are coming up daily and trying their best to outdo established artists.

The richest musicians in the world have multiple revenue streams. They are known for writing, recording, and releasing hit tunes with the help of managers, sound engineers, producers, promoters, and music journalists.

Source: Legit.ng