Contrary to popular Twitter opinions, not all Nigerian women will use billing to finish you. In fact, some are willing to pull out their wallets with a big smile and lots of love to support their men.
We spoke to five Nigerian women across different ages and income levels, and here’s how they spend on the men in their lives.
Ada, 25 – Project Manager
Hi, I’m Ada, 25, a Project Manager in Lagos. My sister usually tells me I spend too much on my man, and she may be right. Gifting is my love language, and I love him so much, so I don’t see any reason not to. We’ve been together for 3 years now, and honestly, the feeling has been mutual; he also buys me stuff.
When we started dating, I didn’t have a job. He had a small UI/UX role at a startup; his pay wasn’t much, but that man always showed up for me. On my birthday? He never disappoints. Midnight breakdown? He’d stay on the phone till I slept. Even my cravings? He delivered. So when I finally started earning, I promised myself I’d spoil him right.
I’ve gotten him luxury shoes, designer shirts, and expensive colognes. For his last birthday, I got him a MacBook laptop and an iPhone 15 alongside other gifts. He got me the phone I’m using now, so it’s not a big deal. I’m currently planning a surprise vacation for both of us to go see South Africa.
ALSO READ: 5 Ways To Understand Your Partner’s Love Languages
Tonia, 31 – Thrift Store Owner
Hi, I’m Tonia, 31, and I run an online thrift business in Lagos. I’ve realized that I love gifting my man. The joy on his face whenever I get him a gift always makes me happy. I’m the first girl child of my family, and I’ve been giving since I was little, so it’s already a part of me.
I pay for things randomly without asking him, and if I see something he might like, I’ll buy it without thinking twice about it. I don’t really make so much money, so I don’t spend too much, only what I can afford at that time.
I also try not to go overboard, only when necessary. This one time I wanted to get him this really nice wrist watch that cost about 120k, so i had to dip into my savings because, why not?
I also started this thing where we go on two dates in a month. He sponsors one of our dates, and I sponsor the other. The last one i sponsored… Hmmm, I must say that date in particular was memorable not only because it was a nice one but because it made my pocket see shege that day.
Halima, 22 – Student / Content writer
Hi, I’m Halima, 22, in my third year at Uni, and yes! I’m a lover girl, as my friends usually call me. I love spending on my man because I see it as building things up with him.
We’re both currently in school, and he’s in his finals, but things have been rough for him both at home and in school. So I do what I can. Most times, I’ll buy him small stuff like snacks, or surprise him with foodstuffs and cash.
Recently, I sent him some money for foodstuffs, but he bought a really nice dress for me instead. I loved it, and it showed that he also wants to do things for me, but can’t at the moment. Earlier this year, I paid for his final year project as a birthday gift to him
Now I’m saving some of my salary to get him a new and better laptop so he can work well towards his dreams of becoming a Software Developer. He’s self-taught and very dedicated towards that goal. Let me just say he makes my world complete, and I don’t regret being helpful to him.
ALSO READ: How I’ve Hustled and Lost My House Rent Twice this Year: Mike Shares His Experience.
Sandra, 29 – Lash and Nail Tech
Hi, I’m Sandra, and let me be honest, I’m not a spender in relationships, unless it’s a special day. My guy knows this, and thankfully, he respects it.
I grew up seeing too many Nigerian women overextend themselves in the name of love, so I decided early on that if a man loves me, he’ll do the spending while I take my position as his baby girl.
Although I don’t spend money on my man, I’m deeply loyal to him. I don’t take him for granted, and I respect him. If he asks me to do something for him, best believe I’m getting it done that second, as long as it doesn’t require money. Lol, because I’ll ask him for it.
But on special days, though, like his birthday, I go all out. Cake, gifts, dinner dates, I’ll handle all the bills. At least once a year, let me remind my Odogwu that he’s dating a soft baby girl with premium love. The rest of the year, na vibes and emotional support.
Ngozi, 23 – Design Intern
Hi, I’m Ngozi, 23. I wouldn’t say I spend on my boyfriend. You know, by like buying him expensive gifts or paying date bills every weekend, but we do something that, to me, feels more meaningful, we save and invest together. We’re both introverted, so we don’t go out much.
We have a joint savings and investments goal on Fusion. Every month, we both put in money for the things we care about, like travel, cool tech gadgets, rent, and maybe even starting a small jollof rice business in Canada someday (might sound funny, but we’re serious!).
What I love most is that we’re both contributing. I don’t also expect him to spend on me. I take care of my needs and he does his too, but if we need any help, we can always call on each other, so it’s not one-sided. He’s super financially responsible, organized, consistent, and patient. Honestly, I’m learning a lot about money discipline just by being with him.
I may not surprise him with a new watch or sneakers out of the blue, but when we finally hit our target and start using the money we saved together, it’ll feel like I gave him the world. Not just because of what we’ll buy or achieve, but because we built it side by side.
ALSO READ: Investment Tips for Beginners: Start Small, Dream Big
God When?!
Nigerian women spend money on the men they love too. They don’t just make it loud, and they do it genuinely from their heart.
If you’ve got a woman who’s sending you small change here and there or buying you stuff with her hard-earned money, just know she loves you o.
Nurture that love by not only appreciating her and reciprocating the energy but also growing the money she gives you through investments with Fusion via Bamboo. Turn it into something tangible.
And if you love love (and gist like this), join the Dating & Relationship community on Fusion where real people share their love experiences and teach each other how not to fumble good people. You can also join the Finance 101 community on Fusion, a community of people teaching each other how to avoid financial mistakes and make good financial decisions.
