Nigerian actress and filmmaker, Toyin Abraham, has opened up about her financial journey in the film industry, revealing that despite spending nearly 25 years in Nollywood, she only began earning substantial income about eight years ago.
The 43-year-old movie producer made the revelation in a recent video, where she reflected on her career growth, struggles and eventual success in the industry.
According to Abraham, although she had been working consistently in Nollywood since 2001, her earnings in the early years were barely enough to sustain her.
“I just started making money. I have been in the industry for about 25 years, since 2001. I started making money, I don’t think it is up to eight years. Then, I was making it, but it was peanuts, just what to eat,” she said.
The actress noted that while she was earning an income from acting and film production, it was not until recent years that she began to experience significant financial success.
This is not the first time Abraham has spoken publicly about her financial struggles and rise in the entertainment industry.
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She made a similar disclosure in 2020, explaining that success in Nollywood required patience, resilience and years of hard work.
Over the years, Abraham has grown into one of Nollywood’s most successful filmmakers, with several commercially successful productions to her name.
Her career reached another milestone in January 2025 when her film, Oversabi Aunty, recorded over ₦1 billion at the Nigerian box office.
The achievement made the movie the first directorial debut by a Nollywood filmmaker to cross the ₦1 billion mark and cemented its place as the fourth highest-grossing Nollywood film of all time.
Abraham’s latest remarks have sparked conversations on social media, with many fans praising her perseverance and dedication, while others described her story as an inspiration for aspiring actors and entrepreneurs navigating long journeys toward success.