RismadarVoice Reporters, May 12, 2026
Veteran Nigerian broadcaster, Frank Edoho has disclosed that his initial earnings as host of the popular television quiz show, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire were far lower than many fans might have assumed, despite the glamorous image he projected on screen.
Speaking at a recent seminar in a video shared via his Instagram page, Edoho revealed that he earned just over ₦100,000 per month during the first two years of hosting the show.
“On Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, the first two years of my salary per month were a hundred and something thousand naira,” he said. “But I had to wear a suit as if I owned all the money.”
Edoho explained that the situation changed significantly after telecom giant MTN became a major sponsor of the programme, leading to improved financial terms for the show’s production and its host.
According to him, the turning point came when he decided to renegotiate his compensation directly with the production company’s leadership.
“When MTN came on, I just said, let me give a figure to my boss,” he recalled. “Once I mentioned the figure, they agreed and even offered three months’ back pay.”
Although he did not disclose his revised salary, Edoho noted that the new arrangement marked a major improvement and opened the door to additional hosting and event opportunities.
“The rewards came in. I was hosting events everywhere. I was flying and doing all kinds of things,” he added.
The broadcaster also reflected on the challenges he faced early in his career, stressing the importance of focus and resilience while navigating financial uncertainty.
“Life had ups and downs, but you have to learn to compartmentalise and focus on the prize,” he said.
Edoho’s revelation has sparked widespread reactions across social media, with many Nigerians comparing the value of his early salary to the economic realities of the mid-2000s, when ₦100,000 had significantly stronger purchasing power than it does today.
Others praised his professionalism and negotiation strategy, describing his journey as a reflection of persistence and strategic career growth.
Frank Edoho hosted the Nigerian edition of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire for over a decade, becoming one of the country’s most recognisable television personalities.
