A growing number of Nigerian women have publicly called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently address the country's worsening economic conditions, emphasizing how financial difficulties have made it increasingly challenging for men to afford marriage.
Their concerns were widely shared in a trending discussion on X (formerly Twitter), where many women voiced their frustration over rising costs, particularly the burden of bride price and wedding expenses.
One of the women expressed her grievances in a heartfelt message, explaining how the economic crisis is negatively affecting relationships and the institution of marriage. She highlighted the severe impact of inflation on daily living expenses and overall financial stability.
She stated, “People assume we’re okay because we’re silent, but in reality, we are suffering. We need relief because the situation is unbearable. We are mentally and financially drained, and something needs to be done about it.”
Continuing her lament, she pointed out the worsening insecurity across the country, saying, “Nowhere is safe anymore. You can be kidnapped even inside your own home. How did we get to the point where a liter of fuel costs ₦1,000? I feel sorry for taxi drivers, Bolt drivers, and Indrive operators—it’s a nightmare for them.”
She further expressed disbelief at the rising cost of living, remarking, “Can you imagine paying ₦2,500 for a simple ‘mama put’ meal? How does anyone survive? We are all exhausted. Even relationships are failing because men can no longer afford to pay bride price or organize traditional weddings.”
The discussion quickly gained traction on social media, with many Nigerians expressing their thoughts on the economic struggles affecting marriages and relationships.
See some reactions from netizens below:
@Jamal_Ye23: “Bride price isn’t even the main issue—it’s the terrible state of the economy affecting both men and women.”
@CharlieNwa68454: “It’s not just about bride price; the real problem is financial instability. Many men are simply avoiding liabilities.”
@DukorJohnbosco: “Paying bride price is the least of our worries. The real challenge is sustaining a family in this economy.”
@attahgbenga: “I hope they remember to get their voters’ cards instead of just complaining online. Many of them were silent during the elections.”
@SammyStar225: “The issue isn’t even about bride price alone. The entire wedding ceremony is now ridiculously expensive.”
@gbenson3159: “God help us. We might be able to afford bride price, but how do we sustain a marriage in this economy?”
@OGBENI_IFADIPE: “If your family sets unreasonable bride price expectations, blame them, not the government. Some of you are just looking for excuses.”
@gr8TPatrick: “Honestly, nobody wants to get married anymore because of how bad the economy has become.”
WATCH VIDEO:
“Even the guys are no longer getting married because they can’t afford the bride price.” – Nigerian girls join the 30-day rant pic.twitter.com/22m0rynV9h
— Chudé (@chude__) March 18, 2025