Veteran Nollywood actress, Bimbo Akintola, has spoken openly about why she does not live a flashy or extravagant lifestyle like some of her colleagues in the Nigerian film industry.
In a recent interview, the award-winning actress said the common belief that acting alone can make actresses very rich is false. According to her, the financial reality of Nollywood is much tougher than many people think.
Akintola explained that payments from movie platforms such as Africa Magic and other local distributors are often not enough to support a lavish lifestyle.
She said many people wrongly assume that actresses who appear regularly on television or online must be very wealthy.
“When people ask me why I am not rich like some other actresses, I tell them to go and ask them what other jobs they do,” she said.
The actress added that those who understand how the industry works know that movie fees alone cannot explain the luxury lifestyle some celebrities show on social media.
“Because we know how much Africa Magic and other platforms pay for a movie,” she added.
Bimbo Akintola also touched on rumours and stories about how some actresses make extra money outside acting.
“We hear stories of some actresses who do things with politicians for money,” she said, without mentioning names.
She explained that she has chosen to focus on her career and personal values, rather than chasing wealth through questionable means.
Akintola is one of Nollywood’s most respected actresses, with a career that spans over three decades. She began acting in the early 1990s and has featured in several popular films and television series.
Some of her well-known works include “Out of Bounds,” “Husbands of Lagos,” “Oloture,” and “Efunsetan Aniwura.” Over the years, she has won awards and earned praise for her strong performances.
Despite her fame and long career, the actress said financial success in Nollywood is not always guaranteed.
According to her, many actors and actresses struggle to make steady income, especially those who depend only on acting roles.
She said the rise of streaming platforms and television channels has helped create more opportunities, but the pay is still not as high as many people think.
In Nollywood, payment is often made per project, and actors are usually not paid royalties when films are replayed or resold.
This means that even popular films may not continue to generate income for the actors involved.
Industry insiders say that while top stars may earn more, the majority of actors are paid modest fees that barely cover their living expenses.
Many actors, especially veterans, now rely on endorsements, business ventures, brand deals, event hosting, teaching, or production work to survive.
Akintola said the public often misunderstands where celebrity wealth comes from.
She noted that many of the luxury cars, mansions, and designer items seen online may not be funded by acting income alone.
Akintola’s comments have sparked conversations on social media, with many Nigerians praising her honesty.
Some users said her statements confirm what many insiders already know about the entertainment industry.
Others said the interview exposed the gap between public perception and reality in Nollywood.
Over the years, Nollywood has grown into one of the largest film industries in the world in terms of output.
The industry employs thousands of people and contributes significantly to Nigeria’s economy and cultural image.
However, challenges such as poor funding, piracy, lack of proper contracts, and weak distribution systems continue to affect earnings.
Actors have also complained about delayed payments and unfair treatment by producers.
In recent years, some improvements have been made, including better production quality and more global exposure through streaming platforms.
Still, many industry professionals say there is a long way to go before actors can earn sustainable income from films alone.
Bimbo Akintola said she is comfortable with her life and proud of her journey in Nollywood.
She said success should not be measured only by money, but also by impact, respect and personal peace.
Her comments have once again drawn attention to the need for better pay structures and support for actors in Nigeria’s film industry.
As discussions continue, many believe her openness may help change public understanding of wealth and success in Nollywood.