Actors And Actresses Salaries In Nigeria For 2025
Nollywood, Nigeria's booming movie industry, is ranked among the top film industries in the world in terms of output. As of 2025, the industry continues to thrive, producing thousands of movies annually and generating billions of naira. But what about the actors and actresses behind the screen—how much do they actually earn?
In this article, we provide a comprehensive look at actors and actresses' salaries in Nigeria in 2025, from the top earners to rising stars. You’ll also learn about the factors that influence pay, the impact of streaming platforms, and frequently asked questions about Nollywood earnings.
Overview: The Nollywood Earning Pyramid
In Nollywood, salaries are not fixed by unions or central authorities. Instead, pay is often negotiated based on reputation, experience, popularity, and production budgets. Here’s a general breakdown of salary ranges:
- Top-tier actors/actresses: ₦2 million – ₦5 million per movie
- Mid-level actors/actresses: ₦500,000 – ₦2 million per movie
- Up-and-coming actors/actresses: ₦20,000 – ₦500,000 per movie
Now, let’s dive deeper into each category.
1. Top-Tier Actors and Actresses in 2025
These are the most popular and bankable faces in Nollywood. With global recognition and a strong local following, they command premium fees.
Genevieve Nnaji
One of Nollywood’s most iconic actresses, Genevieve earns between ₦3 million to ₦4.5 million per movie. She also earns millions more through endorsements, production deals, and directing.
Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde
Often referred to as “Omosexy,” Omotola earns about ₦3 million to ₦4 million per film in 2025. With over two decades in the industry, she remains one of the highest-paid actresses in Nigeria.
Funke Akindele
Known for her role in the hit series "Jenifa’s Diary", Funke earns around ₦2.5 million to ₦3 million per movie. Her comedy series and YouTube revenue also add to her income.
Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD)
The veteran actor commands between ₦2 million to ₦3 million per role. RMD remains a fan favorite and continues to feature in major productions and Netflix series.
Ramsey Nouah
Popular in both romance and thriller roles, Ramsey earns around ₦2.5 million to ₦4 million per film. He also earns as a producer and director.
2. Mid-Level Actors and Actresses
Mid-level actors may not have the global recognition of top-tier celebrities but are well-established in the industry.
Chioma Akpotha
Chioma earns between ₦1 million to ₦1.5 million per film. Known for emotional drama roles, she’s a consistent face in Nollywood.
Chika Ike
A household name in Nigerian cinema, Chika commands ₦1.5 million to ₦2.5 million per movie, with additional earnings from her fashion line and brand endorsements.
Kenneth Okonkwo
Veteran actor Kenneth earns about ₦800,000 to ₦1.2 million per movie. He’s active in political and public campaigns, which also contribute to his income.
3. Up-and-Coming Actors and Actresses
These are the fresh faces of Nollywood, often featured in lesser-known or low-budget films.
New Entrants
Actors who are just starting out in Nollywood earn between ₦20,000 to ₦50,000 per movie. Many work for exposure or as supporting characters.
B-List Actors
Those with a few roles and some fan base earn about ₦100,000 to ₦300,000 per movie. Their income grows with visibility and audience engagement.
Online Comedy Actors
Content creators who transitioned into Nollywood—such as skit makers—earn differently. They can make up to ₦500,000 to ₦1 million per appearance, especially if they have millions of followers.
Factors That Influence Salaries in Nollywood
Salaries in the Nigerian film industry are not uniform. The following factors heavily influence an actor’s pay:
1. Popularity and Fan Base
Actors with large social media followings and strong brand influence command higher fees.
2. Experience
Veteran actors who have spent years in the industry earn significantly more than newcomers.
3. Type of Role
Lead roles attract higher pay. Supporting characters or extras earn much less.
4. Production Budget
High-budget productions often allocate a large portion to casting and can afford to pay top actors better.
5. Location and Market
Actors working in major cities like Lagos or in international collaborations earn more due to better funding and visibility.
The Rise of Streaming Platforms
Streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and YouTube have transformed Nollywood. These platforms:
- Offer higher production budgets
- Pay better licensing fees
- Provide global exposure for actors
- Encourage quality storytelling
For example, Genevieve Nnaji’s “Lionheart” was the first Nigerian film acquired by Netflix. Since then, many Nollywood stars have found better-paying roles on global streaming services.
Additional Sources of Income for Actors
Aside from acting, many Nigerian actors make money through:
- Endorsement deals (telecoms, banks, beauty brands)
- Event hosting and public speaking
- YouTube and skit making
- Real estate and personal businesses
- Social media influencing
For many actors, endorsements now bring in more money than acting roles.
Common Challenges in the Industry
Despite Nollywood’s growth, actors still face hurdles:
1. Piracy
Piracy continues to slash profits from movie sales, affecting actor royalties and producer budgets.
2. Lack of Standard Contracts
There are no standard agreements for pay or working hours, leading to exploitation.
3. “Sex for Roles”
This unethical practice still exists in some areas of the industry, especially among struggling talents.
4. Delayed Payments
Some actors face delays in receiving their agreed fees after shooting ends.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Who is the highest-paid actor or actress in Nigeria in 2025?
A: As of 2025, Genevieve Nnaji and Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde top the chart, earning up to ₦4.5 million per movie.
Q2: How much do beginner actors earn in Nigeria?
A: New actors can earn as little as ₦20,000 to ₦50,000 per movie, depending on the production scale.
Q3: Do Nigerian actors earn monthly salaries?
A: No. Actors are paid per role or per project. Their monthly earnings vary depending on how many roles they book.
Q4: Do actors earn more from movies or endorsements?
A: Most top actors earn more from endorsement deals and brand partnerships than from acting roles.
Q5: Are there opportunities for Nigerian actors on international platforms?
A: Yes. With the rise of Netflix and Amazon Prime, many Nigerian actors now feature in globally streamed productions, often with higher pay.
Final Thoughts
Nollywood continues to evolve in 2025, with improved production quality and international recognition. While not all actors earn millions, the industry holds opportunities for both growth and wealth. As technology and streaming platforms expand, more Nigerian actors are poised to break into the global scene and enjoy higher income.
However, standardization of contracts, enforcement of copyrights, and better support systems are necessary to improve working conditions and ensure fair compensation.
Whether you’re an aspiring actor or just curious about the industry, understanding how Nollywood salaries work is key to appreciating the talent and hard work behind Nigeria’s booming entertainment scene.
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