Nigeria’s dating scene is changing drastically. Nigerian women are rejecting the notion of dating guys who are struggling financially more than ever before. Even while love is still vital in relationships, having enough money is now a crucial aspect. Economic realities, evolving gender roles, women’s growing financial acumen, and a desire for ease and security are the main drivers of this change. In 2025, it is evident that women are choosing partnerships more deliberately as the ‘soft life’ movement and hypergamy tendencies gain traction.
Nigeria’s economic actualities
Recent years have seen a worsening of Nigeria’s economic circumstances, with inflation surging, the naira depreciating, and rising living expenses. Compared to earlier times, the typical Nigerian woman now has more financial obligations. Today, a large number of women are successful in corporate positions, content production, tech jobs, and business ownership, making substantial contributions to household income.
love is still vital in relationships, but having enough money is also a crucial aspect
In a place like Lekki, Lagos, even the most basic living expenditures might cost a young woman more than ₦1 million a year. Women are now choosing spouses more carefully as a result of this financial load. These days, financial compatibility and not just love is a huge factor.
The hypergamous trend and the ‘soft life’ movement
“Struggle love” is no longer seen as a mark of honour by many Nigerian women. The trend of dating or marrying up, known as hypergamy, has also become more popular. In contrast to earlier generations, when women were expected to “build” a relationship with a guy from the ground up, many young women in 2025 favour financially secure males. This change has been greatly influenced by social media sites like Instagram and TikTok, which expose women to lifestyles that demonstrate that they don’t have to endure relationship hardships.
financial compatibility and not just love is a huge factor
Experiences from real life
Tolu, a 28-year-old entrepreneur in Abuja narrates: “I thought we were going to build a future together, so I dated a guy for three years. He never followed through on any of his endless business ideas. I was putting a lot of effort into building my clothing line. He eventually became financially reliant on me, and I was exhausted. I had to run for my life.”
Chisom, 30, Lagos-based corporate executive is more direct: “I’m looking for a man who makes at least ₦1.5 million a month. Compatibility is more important than materialism. I seek a partner who shares my desire to travel, eat at fine dining establishments, and invest in real estate. Struggling financially shouldn’t be a sign of affection.”
Struggling financially shouldn’t be a sign of affection
Impact of social media on the transition
Modern dating norms have been impacted by social media sites like Instagram, X [formerly Twitter], and TikTok. #NoBrokeMen, #Hypergamy, and #SoftLifeNigeria are among the trends that are becoming more popular, with a large number of women publicly stating that they prefer spouses who are financially secure. Well-known influencers like Sophia Momodu (Davido’s ex) and Ivy Ifeoma (Paul Okoye’s girlfriend) frequently talk about women needing to make wise dating decisions and become financially independent.
Financial literacy and feminism
Another motivating factor is the growth of financial literacy. More Nigerian women are becoming knowledgeable about real estate, technology, investments, and different sources of income. They want their partners to share their understanding that financial stability leads to freedom.
young ladies want their partners to share their understanding that financial stability leads to freedom
Organisations such as Money Africa and She Leads Africa are helping to drive the financial awareness in women. This transition is uncomfortable for some men. Some contend that love shouldn’t be connected to money and that women have grown overly materialistic.
Nigerian culture has traditionally valued men as breadwinners. The idea that the husband is the wife’s wealth, or Oko ni olowo ori iyawo, has a long history in society. But as women’s financial contributions increase, they want balance, and many of them refuse to bear a man’s financial load alone.
Nigeria’s dating’s future
The message is unmistakable: women are tired of having marital problems. Financial stability is a necessity in 2025, not an option. Love is still vital, but Nigerian women are choosing secure, ambitious, and financially responsible men. A new era of purposeful, financially balanced relationships is here to stay, and the days of struggle love are coming to an end.
