Actor And Actress Official Salary In Nigeria (2025): How Much They Earn Per Movie?

Nollywood, Nigeria’s booming film industry, has become one of the largest globally, producing hundreds of movies annually. Many aspiring actors and actresses often ask: how much do they actually earn per movie?

In 2025, earnings in Nollywood vary widely depending on experience, popularity, role significance, and production budget. This blog explores the official salary range for actors and actresses in Nigeria, factors that influence pay, and insights into top earners.

Average Salary of Actors and Actresses in Nigeria (Per Movie)

Actor/Actress Level	Estimated Earnings per Movie	Notes
Newbie/Entry-Level	₦50,000 – ₦200,000	Usually minor roles or extras
Supporting Actor/Actress	₦200,000 – ₦500,000	Moderate experience, recurring roles
Lead Actor/Actress	₦500,000 – ₦1,500,000	Popular roles, leads in Nollywood films
Top Star/Box Office Actor	₦2,000,000 – ₦5,000,000+	High-profile actors with strong fan base
A-list Nollywood Legends	₦5,000,000 – ₦10,000,000+	Veteran actors, international deals, brand endorsements included

Factors That Affect Actor & Actress Salaries

Experience & Reputation
- Seasoned actors like Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), Genevieve Nnaji, and Ramsey Nouah command higher fees.
- New actors earn less but can negotiate higher as their popularity grows.
Role & Screen Time
- Lead roles attract the highest payment.
- Supporting and cameo roles earn lower fees.
Production Budget
- Big-budget Nollywood movies can pay actors much more than low-budget productions.
- International collaborations often increase pay significantly.
Awards & Recognitions
- Award-winning actors usually demand higher salaries.
- Participation in prestigious film festivals boosts value.
Endorsements & Brand Deals
- Many Nollywood stars combine movie salaries with lucrative brand endorsements.
- Top actors earn millions from advertisements, ambassadorial deals, and social media influence.

Top Paid Nollywood Actors and Actresses in 2025

Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD) – ₦10M+ per movie
Genevieve Nnaji – ₦8M – ₦10M per movie
Ramsey Nouah – ₦7M – ₦9M per movie
Jim Iyke – ₦5M – ₦7M per movie
Zubby Michael – ₦3M – ₦5M per movie
Ini Edo – ₦2M – ₦4M per movie
Mercy Johnson – ₦2M – ₦4M per movie
Nkem Owoh – ₦1.5M – ₦3M per movie
Kanayo O. Kanayo – ₦1M – ₦3M per movie
Yul Edochie – ₦1M – ₦2.5M per movie

Tips for Aspiring Nollywood Actors & Actresses

Start Small: Begin with minor roles or short films to build experience.
Network: Attend industry events, workshops, and connect with directors.
Upgrade Skills: Acting courses, voice modulation, and camera presence increase market value.
Social Media Influence: A strong online presence can boost your negotiation power.
Diversify Income: Consider endorsements, hosting, and producing content.

FAQs

Q1: Do Nollywood actors earn more in movies or endorsements?
Top actors often earn more from endorsements than individual movie salaries, though lead roles can still be highly lucrative.

Q2: How much do new actors earn in Nollywood?
Newbies usually earn between ₦50,000 – ₦200,000 per movie, depending on role significance.

Q3: Can foreign Nollywood collaborations increase pay?
Yes. Movies produced with international platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime often pay actors higher fees.

Q4: Do actresses earn the same as actors?
Earnings depend on popularity, experience, and role. A-list actresses like Genevieve Nnaji and Mercy Johnson earn comparable salaries to top male actors.

✅ Conclusion

In 2025, Nollywood salaries for actors and actresses are influenced by experience, role type, production budget, and market popularity. While newbies may start small, A-list stars can earn millions per movie, alongside endorsements and brand deals.

For aspiring actors, consistent skill improvement, networking, and leveraging social media are key to boosting earnings. Nollywood remains a lucrative industry, rewarding talent, creativity, and visibility.