The Nigerian models have caused waves in the international fashion industry with their representation of rich cultural heritage and beauty of Africa on the international platform.
With a rise in numbers toward fashion weeks, magazine covers, and brand endorsements, Nigerian models are receiving much attention and are getting substantially attractive incomes.
Let’s dive into the top 8 highest-paid Nigerian models of the year, focusing on their achievements, endorsements, and contributions to the fashion industry.
1. Agbani Darego
Chief Ibiagbanidokibubo Asenite ‘Agbani’ Darego is a 41-year-old Nigerian model who exudes elegance and accomplishments in the country and beyond. She still remains an influential figure in the modeling industry as of 41 years of age.
In 2001, Agbani Darego went into history records as the first black African to be crowned Miss World. This has paved her way into the international fashion industry.
Agbani Darego is well-known in the Fashion Industry. She has effortlessly graced the covers of prestigious magazines such as Vogue, Elle, and Marie Claire and the runway for some of the famous fashion brands in the world.
Asides from modeling, she has ventured into fashion designing and entrepreneurship, and has her own fashion line. Her numerous endorsements have made her one of the most highest paid models in Nigeria.
2. Sylvia Nduka
Sylvia Nduka is a Nigerian model, a former beauty queen well-known for winning the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria in 2011 and this kick-started her journey into the fashion and entertainment world.
With her astounding looks, Sylvia emerged as one of the sought-after models for leading brands and fashion designers.
Her modeling career was also complemented by her entrepreneurial spirit. She is the owner of Sylvia’s Hair, one of the successful hair extension brands in Nigeria and overseas.
Her ingenuity in business and endorsement of reputable brands contributed greatly to her net worth, topping the list of the highest-paid models in Nigeria. Sylvia remains active in fashion circles, juggling her modeling career with running her businesses.
3. Anna Ebiere Banner
Anna Ebiere Banner is a Nigerian actress, model and beauty pagent holder. She won The Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) competition in 2013.
This achievement skyrocketed Anna’s modeling career. She has been able to work with top brands and designers, eventually earning her way among the highest-paid models in the country.
Anna is one of those models known for her versatility; she fits in every style with ease. From high fashion editorials down to commercials, Anna has done it all.
Her success stories goes beyond modelling to being the brand ambassador of several top companies. With these growing work experiences, Anna Banner remains one of the most successful and highest-paid models in Nigeria.
4. Iheoma Nnadi
Iheoma Nnadi is a Nigerian Model and beauty pagent title holder. She won the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria – MBGN in 2014. Since then, she has collaborated with top brands and leading fashion designers both in Nigeria and outside the country.
Her career has bloomed from gaining several endorsements and exclusive deals. She has graced the cover pages of different fashion magazines and also been the face of top advertisements.
Apart from this, Iheoma is a vibrant entrepreneur involved in running her own fashion and beauty companies.
This, in addition to her many streams of income and success in the industry, made her one of the best-paid models in Nigeria.
5. Nancy Isime
Nancy Isime is a popular Nigerian model, actress and television host in the entertainment industry. She started her modeling career in 2009, and she has since then become a sought after model for various fashion brands and designers.
Also, Nancy hss feautured in a number of popular Nollywood movies and television shows. She is a successful television host who hosts the popular talk show called “The Nancy Isime Show.”
All these, coupled with her many endorsements, have ranked her among the highest-paid models in Nigeria. Nancy remains an inspiration to several girls holding onto their dreams.
6. Oluchi Onweagba
Oluchi Onweagba is one of Nigeria’s popular models who has a remarkable career in the line of modeling. At the age of 16, Oluchi won “Face of Africa.”
She has appeared on the covers of several key fashion magazines, such as Vogue, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar, and she catwalked for several leading designers such as Gucci, Chanel, and Christian Dior.
Oluchi is striving in the modeling line as well as entrepreneurship. She owns the modeling agency ” OModel Africa,” where African talent is grown to be showcased across the globe.
Her strong influence in this field brought her to become one of the highest-paid models in Nigeria. She remains a face in the industry as her work continues to inspire another generation of African models.
7. Kehinde Smith
Kehinde Smith is a Nigerian model and beauty entrepreneur who has made an astonishing step into the fashion and beauty industry.
With her pretty face and business acumen, she has performed with lots of top fashion brands and designers both in Nigeria and abroad. My Extensionz, her beauty brand, represents but one of these entrepreneurial brands that complement her success as a model.
With the modeling fashion circles, Kehinde has made a good amount of money from working in the industry to stand out as one of the best-paid models within the Nigerian circle.
This modeling career in addition to her business ventures has made her a role model for both aspiring models and entrepreneurs alike; this is because they do not know how she has balanced both lines.
Still making waves in the industry, Kehinde’s works and influence are stretched beyond the runway.
8. Adeola Ariyo
Adeola Ariyo is a Nigerian model who has risen through the fashion ranks, where she gained significant attention. She started her modeling when she was still young, and in no time, she attracted the attention of a modeling agency.
To date, Adeola has already worked for some top fashion brands and renowned designers from Nigeria, and even international designers, hence establishing her position among the top models in Nigeria.
In addition to modeling, she has been a brand ambassador for many top companies. Her numerous endorsement deals and partnerships have gone a long way in increasing her wealth to make her one of the most paid models in Nigeria.
Adeola is a force to reckon with in the fashion world; she still represents Nigeria on the global stage with pride and elegance.
Conclusion
These models signify the rich talent and high potential of Nigerian models in the international space. They have emerged as representatives of Nigerian culture and beauty outside Nigeria.
Hard work, determination, and business acumen made them earn substantial incomes, placing some of the models among the highest-paid models in the world.
With the Nigerian fashion industry thriving, we should expect even more models from the country making international waves.
