Meet 6 Nigerian Actors Making Multi-Million-Naira Movies

These entertainers have invested heavily in creating movies that have attracted large cinema audiences, generated significant revenue and contributed to the growth of Nigeria’s film industry.

Among the Nigerian actors who have made remarkable achievements as producers are:

Femi Adebayo

Femi Adebayo has earned recognition as one of Nollywood’s prominent actor-producers through films that highlight Yoruba culture, history and traditions.

His 2022 epic movie, King of Thieves (Agẹṣinkólé), recorded impressive success at the Nigerian box office, grossing over ₦320 million and becoming one of the highest-earning Yoruba-language films released in cinemas.

He further strengthened his position in the industry with successful productions such as Jagun Jagun and Seven Doors, projects that have received attention for their storytelling and cultural depth.

Ayo Makun (AY)

Popular comedian, actor and filmmaker Ayo Makun has established himself as one of Nigeria’s most successful actor-producers.

His first major film production, 30 Days in Atlanta, became a box-office sensation after its release in 2014 and set a new record as one of the highest-grossing Nigerian films at the time.

He later produced other commercially successful movies, including A Trip to Jamaica, Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons and Merry Men 2, further cementing his reputation in Nollywood.

Odunlade Adekola

Veteran Yoruba actor Odunlade Adekola has successfully combined acting with filmmaking, becoming a major force in indigenous Nigerian cinema.

Through his production company, Odunlade Adekola Film Production (OAFP), he has produced several Yoruba-language movies while contributing to the development and commercial growth of the sector.

His influence and consistency have earned him recognition as one of Nollywood’s respected actor-producers.

Kunle Afolayan

Award-winning filmmaker Kunle Afolayan is regarded as one of the pioneers of modern Nigerian cinema.

His productions, including The Figurine, October 1, Citation, Aníkúlápó and Recall, have achieved success both commercially and critically.

Through his unique storytelling style and high production standards, Afolayan has helped project Nigerian cinema to international audiences.

Timini Egbuson

Timini Egbuson is among the younger generation of Nigerian actors making a transition into film production.

His production project, Reel Love, became one of Nollywood’s notable box-office successes in 2025, attracting large audiences and strengthening his position as one of the industry’s emerging actor-producers.

His move into production highlights the growing trend of actors taking greater control of storytelling and content creation.

Lateef Adedimeji

Lateef Adedimeji has also expanded his career beyond acting by venturing into film production.

Together with his wife, actress Adebimpe Oyebade, popularly known as Mo Bimpe, he co-produced the historical epic Lisabi, which was inspired by the story of the legendary Egba warrior.

The movie was released globally on Netflix in two parts — Lisabi: The Uprising and Lisabi: A Legend Is Born — and received praise for its cultural representation, storytelling and production quality.

The success of the project further established Lateef Adedimeji as one of Nollywood’s notable actor-producers.

As Nollywood continues to evolve, these actors have shown that success in the industry goes beyond appearing on screen. Through investment in production, storytelling and creativity, they have played significant roles in expanding Nigerian cinema and taking local stories to audiences around the world.