The top 10 richest Nollywood actors and actresses in 2026 include Jim Iyke, Genevieve Nnaji, Zubby Michael, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Funke Akindele, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Desmond Elliot, Mercy Johnson-Okojie, Chidi Mokeme and Ramsey Nouah. Their estimated fortunes are based on figures commonly reported for acting, film production, endorsements, television, and business interests.
The net worth figures in this ranking are estimates, rather than audited financial figures. Different entertainment websites publish different valuations, so the list uses the estimates supplied for each actor and actress.
Top 10 Richest Nollywood Actors And Actresses In 2026
| Rank | Actor Or Actress | Estimated Net Worth |
| 1 | Jim Iyke | $12 million |
| 2 | Genevieve Nnaji | $10 million |
| 3 | Zubby Michael | $8 million |
| 4 | Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde | $7.2 million |
| 5 | Funke Akindele | $6 million |
| 6 | Richard Mofe-Damijo | $5 million |
| 7 | Desmond Elliot | $5 million |
| 8 | Mercy Johnson-Okojie | $5 million |
| 9 | Chidi Mokeme | $4.5 million |
| 10 | Ramsey Nouah | $4 million |
1. Jim Iyke – $12 million
Jim Iyke has an estimated net worth of $12 million in 2026. Born James Ikechukwu Esomugha, he built his career through Nollywood acting before moving into film production, endorsements and business interests.
He became one of the industry’s recognised leading actors after appearing in numerous Nigerian films. His career has also included work behind the camera and commercial ventures outside acting.
Jim Iyke therefore ranks first in this list of the richest Nollywood actors and actresses in 2026.
2. Genevieve Nnaji – $10 million
Genevieve Nnaji has an estimated net worth of $10 million in 2026. She established her career as an actress before moving into film production and directing.
Nnaji directed and starred in Lionheart, which Netflix acquired for worldwide rights in 2018. Netflix described the film as its first Netflix original film from Nigeria.
The film also marked Nnaji’s directorial debut and received its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Her work across acting, producing and directing places her second in the ranking.
3. Zubby Michael – $8 million
Zubby Michael has an estimated net worth of $8 million in 2026. Born Azubuike Michael Egwu, he built his profile through frequent appearances in Nollywood films, particularly action, drama and crime productions.
He has also worked as a producer and uses his large social media audience for commercial promotions and brand partnerships.
His estimated fortune places him third on the 2026 list.
4. Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde – $7.2 million
Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has an estimated net worth of $7.2 million in 2026. Her career spans acting, television, film production and endorsements.
In 2026, she made her directorial debut with Mother’s Love. The film opened in Nigerian cinemas on 6 March 2026, with Omotola serving as director, producer and lead actress.
Mother’s Love recorded a domestic box-office gross of ₦102.9 million.
The project added directing and producing credits to her three-decade Nollywood career.
5. Funke Akindele – $6 million
Funke Akindele has an estimated net worth of $6 million in 2026. Her career covers acting, screenwriting, directing, producing, television and commercial partnerships.
Her Jenifa character became one of her best-known screen roles, while her later filmmaking work produced several of Nigeria’s biggest domestic box-office successes.
Akindele directed Behind The Scenes with Tunde Olaoye. The 2025 film became Nigeria’s highest-grossing film after recording a domestic gross of ₦2,759,944,506.
She also directed Everybody Loves Jenifa, A Tribe Called Judah, Battle on Buka Street, Omo Ghetto: The Saga and Your Excellency. Her directed films have generated more than ₦7.5 billion in domestic box-office revenue based on the available film-by-film figures.
6. Richard Mofe-Damijo – $5 million
Richard Mofe-Damijo, popularly known as RMD, has an estimated net worth of $5 million in 2026. His entertainment career includes acting, writing, film production and television.
Before becoming one of Nollywood’s established actors, RMD worked in journalism and theatre. He later appeared in numerous Nigerian films and television productions.
From 2009 to 2015, he served as Delta State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism.
His long career in entertainment and government service gives him a different career path from most actors on the list.
7. Desmond Elliot – $5 million
Desmond Elliot has an estimated net worth of $5 million in 2026. He started in acting before moving into directing and film production.
Elliot appeared in Nigerian television series and films before taking on directing and producing roles behind the camera.
He later entered politics and represented Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
His career combines Nollywood work with political office.
8. Mercy Johnson-Okojie – $5 million
Mercy Johnson-Okojie has an estimated net worth of $5 million in 2026. She became known for her performances in Nigerian films after making her screen debut in The Maid.
She went on to appear in drama, romance and comedy productions while building a strong television presence.
Johnson has also worked in film production and secured brand endorsement deals during her entertainment career.
9. Chidi Mokeme – $4.5 million
Chidi Mokeme has an estimated net worth of $4.5 million in 2026. He first gained national recognition through television presentation before developing his acting career.
Mokeme has presented television programmes and appeared in major Nollywood productions.
His acting credits include 76, Blood Sisters and other Nigerian film and television projects.
His career across television presentation and acting places him ninth in this ranking.
10. Ramsey Nouah – $4 million
Ramsey Nouah has an estimated net worth of $4 million in 2026. He became one of Nollywood’s leading actors through roles in romance, drama and other Nigerian productions.
Nouah later expanded into directing and producing films. His work behind the camera includes Living in Bondage: Breaking Free, which he directed.
His career spans more than three decades of acting and filmmaking.
Behind The Scenes box-office record
Behind The Scenes became Nigeria’s highest-grossing film after earning ₦2,759,944,506 at the domestic box office. The film was released in 2025 and directed by Funke Akindele and Tunde Olaoye.
The film overtook Everybody Loves Jenifa, which recorded ₦1,882,553,548 in domestic cinema revenue. A Tribe Called Judah ranks below it with more than ₦1.4 billion.
Akindele’s directed films have generated more than ₦7.5 billion in domestic box-office revenue across Behind The Scenes, Everybody Loves Jenifa, A Tribe Called Judah, Battle on Buka Street, Omo Ghetto: The Saga and Your Excellency.
FAQs: Top 10 Richest Nollywood Actors and Actresses
Who is the richest Nollywood actor in 2026?
Jim Iyke tops the actor category in this ranking with a net worth of $12 million.
Who is the richest Nollywood actress in 2026?
Genevieve Nnaji leads the actresses on the list at $10 million.
How much is Jim Iyke worth in 2026?
Jim Iyke’s net worth is estimated at $12 million. His earnings come from acting, film production, endorsements and other business activities.
How much is Genevieve Nnaji worth in 2026?
Genevieve Nnaji is worth an estimated $10 million. Her career spans acting, film production and directing, including her 2018 film Lionheart.
How much is Zubby Michael worth in 2026?
Zubby Michael has an estimated net worth of $8 million. He has built his career mainly through Nollywood films, while also earning from production and commercial appearances.
How much is Funke Akindele worth in 2026?
Funke Akindele’s estimated net worth is $6 million. She earns from acting, producing, directing, screenwriting and commercial projects.
How much is Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde worth in 2026?
Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has an estimated net worth of $7.2 million. Her career covers acting, film production, television and endorsements.
How much did Behind the Scenes make?
Behind the Scenes grossed ₦2,759,944,506 at the Nigerian box office. The film was released in 2025 and directed by Funke Akindele and Tunde Olaoye.
Is Funke Akindele the richest Nollywood actress?
No. Genevieve Nnaji ranks ahead of Funke Akindele in this list, with $10 million compared with Akindele’s estimated $6 million.
Who is the highest-grossing Nollywood filmmaker?
Funke Akindele leads the directors covered by the available domestic box-office figures. Her directed films have generated more than ₦7.5 billion at the Nigerian box office.
What is the highest-grossing Nollywood film in 2026?
Behind the Scenes recorded ₦2,759,944,506 at the Nigerian box office, making it the highest-grossing Nigerian film in the figures cited for this ranking.
Who are the richest Nollywood actresses in 2026?
Genevieve Nnaji leads the actress category at $10 million. Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde follows with $7.2 million, while Funke Akindele and Mercy Johnson-Okojie have estimated fortunes of $6 million and $5 million, respectively.
Who are the richest Nollywood actors in 2026?
Jim Iyke leads the actor category at $12 million, followed by Zubby Michael at $8 million. Richard Mofe-Damijo, Desmond Elliot, Chidi Mokeme and Ramsey Nouah complete the six actors covered in the ranking, with estimates ranging from $4 million to $12 million.
