How Much Do Nigerian Actors Earn Per Movie?

Nollywood, the Nigerian movie industry, is one of the largest in the world, and with its rapid growth, the earning potential for actors has risen significantly. However, actor salaries vary greatly depending on factors such as experience, popularity, and the type of role played.

A-List Actors

Top-tier Nigerian actors, often referred to as A-list, command the highest fees. These actors are household names and play leading roles in high-grossing movies. For example, Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), one of Nollywood's most revered actors, earns around ₦2 million per movie. Similarly, Genevieve Nnaji, a celebrated actress, charges between ₦3 million and ₦10 million per role, making her one of the highest-paid actresses in Nollywood. Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde is another prominent name, earning between ₦3 million and ₦5 million per movie.

Actors like Zubby Michael and Nkem Owoh (Osuofia) also command high fees, with Michael reportedly earning over ₦1.5 million for a single movie. These A-list actors are often featured in blockbuster movies, and their presence alone can drive audience interest and ticket sales.

B-List Actors

B-list actors, though not as widely recognized as A-list stars, still play significant roles in Nollywood films. They earn between ₦50,000 and ₦200,000 per movie. These actors are either rising stars or have solidified their place in the industry but do not have the same level of fanbase or market value as A-list actors.

C-List and Newcomers

New entrants or C-list actors typically earn much less, ranging from ₦15,000 to ₦50,000 per movie. Many of these actors play supporting roles or appear in low-budget films. Newcomers often take on these roles to gain exposure and experience, with the hope of climbing the ranks over time.

Factors Affecting Earnings

Several factors influence how much Nigerian actors earn per movie:

• Experience and Popularity: As seen with A-list actors, stardom significantly impacts an actor's salary. More experienced and popular actors, with a track record of box-office hits, can demand higher fees.
• Type of Film: The budget of the movie plays a major role. Blockbuster and cinema-released movies tend to pay higher fees than smaller, straight-to-DVD productions. Films with larger budgets can afford to hire A-list actors and offer more competitive pay.
• Role in the Film: Lead actors earn more than those in supporting or minor roles. Leading roles can often double or triple the actor’s typical salary for a movie.

In conclusion, the earnings of Nigerian actors per movie vary widely based on their status in the industry and the type of production. A-list actors can earn millions of naira, while newer or less popular actors earn considerably less. As Nollywood continues to grow, these earnings may increase, particularly for those at the top of the industry.