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In Nollywood, star power doesn’t end on the big screen. With the rise of brand marketing and influencer culture, many top actors are now raking in millions through ambassadorial deals.
These endorsement packages, often running into eight or even nine figures, go beyond cash covering perks like luxury vehicles, real estate, brand equity, and nationwide exposure.
Here are seven Nollywood stars who stand out for securing the most expensive and high-profile ambassadorial deals in recent years:
1. Funke Akindele
Funke Akindele is one of the most influential figures in Nigerian entertainment. Known for her roles in Jenifa’s Diary, A Tribe Called Judah, and blockbuster cinema hits, she has become a brand in herself. Funke is the face of several high-paying endorsement deals with companies such as Globacom, WAW detergent, Dettol, and Keystone Bank.
Her massive reach, credibility, and influence among families and young people make her a favorite choice for brands. Her total earnings from endorsements are estimated to exceed ₦500 million, and many brands renew her deals annually because of the direct impact she has on consumer loyalty.
2. Toyin Abraham
Toyin Abraham has transformed from a popular Yoruba film actress to a certified box office queen. This evolution has made her attractive to brands across sectors.
Her deals with Checkers Custard, Revolution Plus Properties, FairMoney, and Zylus Homes are some of the most talked about in the industry.
Her campaign for FairMoney was heavily promoted across billboards and digital media, signaling a major cash payout. Toyin also uses her vast fanbase called Toyin Titans to drive massive awareness, making her a “results-driven” ambassador. It’s estimated that her ambassadorial deals combined are worth over ₦350 million.
3. Jim Iyke
Jim Iyke is the quintessential Nollywood ‘bad boy’ who has reinvented himself as a businessman and international influencer. Beyond acting, Jim has aligned with premium lifestyle and fintech brands both within and outside Nigeria.
He signed a luxurious deal with a fragrance company in the UAE, and was also named an ambassador for a blockchain-based investment firm.
In Nigeria, he has worked with beverage companies, health brands, and real estate outfits. Known for his polished look and elite clientele, Jim reportedly earns in dollars for his international partnerships and ranks among the highest-paid in the industry.
4. Rita Dominic
Rita Dominic exudes class and elegance, traits that have made her a favorite among elite brands. With a career spanning over two decades, she’s worked with Zaron Cosmetics, Glo, BK Unique Hair, and health-based brands like VSP Botanics.
She was also the lead ambassador for Legend Extra Stout for several years, which came with premium perks. Rita’s reserved public image and consistent relevance in the fashion and film scene keep her on brand lists. Her endorsement profile is not as flashy, but the figures run deep often tailored to her exclusivity.
5. Mercy Johnson Okojie
Mercy Johnson’s image as a family woman, mother, and screen darling makes her highly marketable. She has signed ambassadorial contracts with household brands like Mr. Chef salt, Hollandia, Virony, and Chi Limited.
These are long-term partnerships that capitalize on her “relatable” personality. She’s also the face of a leading real estate company and an advocate for nutrition campaigns. Mercy’s endorsements are said to have collectively grossed over ₦250 million, and she remains one of the few actors whose popularity cuts across different age groups and demographics.
6. Alexx Ekubo
Alexx Ekubo brings a unique blend of fashion, lifestyle, and fan engagement to his endorsement work. He has represented brands like Campari, Goldmender Global Investments, and domestic firms in real estate and fashion.
His Campari campaign ran for years and reportedly paid him over ₦50 million. Alexx is often contracted not just as a celebrity face but also to appear at major events, ribbon-cuttings, and international tours. His stylish persona and well-groomed image have made him a favorite for luxury brands targeting the upwardly mobile market.
7. Tonto Dikeh
Tonto Dikeh remains one of Nollywood’s most controversial yet most influential celebrities. Despite her polarizing persona, she consistently pulls high-value endorsement contracts.
She has signed deals with Zikel Cosmetics, Sapphire Scents, NAPTIP, and multiple real estate companies. Her social media following is massive, and she has a strong fanbase of loyal supporters who mimic her every move.
Tonto’s ambassadorial deals often come with unique clauses for humanitarian support, branding rights, and image licensing. Some industry watchers estimate that her endorsements may be worth over ₦200 million altogether.
The ambassadorial space in Nollywood is now as competitive as acting itself, with brands investing heavily in celebrities who can deliver visibility and drive sales.
These seven stars have not only mastered their art on screen but also turned their personal brands into powerful marketing tools cashing in on fame, influence, and public appeal. As the industry grows and global brands look toward Africa, these ambassadorial figures are only set to rise.
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