Nollywood, Nigeria’s film powerhouse, has grown into the second-largest movie industry in the world—right behind Bollywood. As the industry scales globally with streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon investing heavily, the salaries of Nollywood actors and actresses have seen a remarkable increase. But how much do they actually earn per movie in 2025? Whether you’re an aspiring actor, movie lover, or curious fan, this guide gives you an accurate, up-to-date breakdown of how much your favorite Nollywood stars are making today.
Entry-Level & Mid-Tier Nollywood Actors: Salary Breakdown
Not everyone in Nollywood is earning millions just yet. Many budding actors start small but climb steadily with dedication and exposure.
Estimated Per Movie Salary (2025):
- Entry-level actors: ₦100,000 – ₦300,000
- Mid-tier actors (3–5 years experience): ₦300,000 – ₦800,000
These actors are usually featured in lesser-known or regional films, series on Africa Magic, or direct-to-DVD/YouTube releases. Payment also depends on how well the movie is funded and the actor’s social media presence.
Top Nollywood Actors & Actresses: What They Earn in 2025
Big names in Nollywood can earn millions per movie—especially if the film is backed by a major studio or destined for streaming platforms.
Top Earners and Their Reported Per Movie Fees:
- Genevieve Nnaji: ₦8 million – ₦10 million
- Funke Akindele: ₦5 million – ₦8 million
- Rita Dominic: ₦5 million – ₦8 million
- Ibinabo Fiberesima: ₦2.8 million – ₦3 million
- Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD): ₦5 million – ₦10 million
- Ramsey Nouah: ₦5 million – ₦10 million
- Desmond Elliot: ₦5 million – ₦10 million
These figures reflect their status, box office pull, and years of experience. Many of these stars also produce or direct, boosting their income substantially.
How Nollywood Stars Supplement Their Income
While per-movie earnings are substantial for top actors, the smartest stars diversify. Here are the major income streams Nollywood celebrities explore:
1. Endorsements & Brand Deals
- Telecoms, banks, fashion lines, and FMCG companies partner with Nollywood stars to reach large audiences.
- Example: Funke Akindele’s multi-million naira deals with Dettol and Globacom.
2. Streaming Royalties
- Movies acquired by Netflix, Amazon Prime, Showmax, and IROKOtv pay both upfront and ongoing royalties.
- Genevieve Nnaji’s Lionheart was reportedly acquired for $3.5 million by Netflix.
3. Production & Direction
- Stars like Ramsey Nouah and Kunle Afolayan run their own production companies and earn returns from the box office and streaming deals.
4. Paid Appearances & Hosting
- Stars earn extra for appearing at events, weddings, talk shows, and reality TV gigs (e.g., Funke Akindele’s reality series).
Salary Table: Nollywood Actors & Actresses (2025)
|
Category |
Estimated Salary per Movie (₦) |
|
Entry-level actors |
₦100,000 – ₦300,000 |
|
Mid-tier actors |
₦300,000 – ₦800,000 |
|
Top-tier actors |
₦2 million – ₦10million |
|
Executive producers |
₦5 million+ (depending on budget and returns) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is the highest-paid Nollywood actress in 2025?
Genevieve Nnaji remains one of the highest-paid, earning between ₦8 million and ₦9 million per movie.
2. How much does a beginner actor in Nollywood earn?
Entry-level actors earn between ₦100,000 and ₦300,000 per film depending on their role and the production house.
3. Do Nollywood actors get paid for streaming movies?
Yes. For films on Netflix, Showmax, or Amazon Prime, actors may receive a share of licensing deals or a one-time payment.
4. Is acting in Nollywood a full-time career?
For many, yes. Established actors work on multiple projects yearly, and upcoming stars combine acting with other jobs until they gain recognition.
5. Do actors get royalties in Nollywood?
Royalties are not common in most traditional Nollywood deals, but actors involved in international and streaming projects often secure such arrangements.
Conclusion
In 2025, Nollywood actors and actresses earn more than ever before, with some stars making millions per film. While newcomers start modestly, the potential for financial success is massive in Nigeria’s booming entertainment industry. With streaming platforms expanding their reach, the Nollywood paycheck is only expected to rise. If you're dreaming of a career in acting, now might be the perfect time to enter the scene.
