Why Nigerians are Rethinking Marriage (Video)
Last update: January 2, 2026
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Nigerians offer their take on what intending couples should consider before marriage.....
Rising economic pressure, shifting social values and the realities of modern relationships are shaping how young Nigerians think about marriage, according to views sampled from Nigerians across the country.
Speaking to CBI News exclusively on the considerations couples must weigh before tying the knot, William Asukuo, a student said background remains a critical starting point.
“You want to marry, what do you look for? Firstly, you look out for the background of the person,” he said, listing family, social and financial stability as key elements.
“Someone you want to get married to — you don’t know if she’s financially okay… if she has any skills. You just want to marry her because she has big ass — you will cry,” he added, warning that two struggling partners could compound each other’s hardship.
For Sekiru Gbadebo, a newspaper vendor, the economy is negatively shaping attitudes toward marriage.
“Just look at marriage in our country now. Because of our economy, some youth don’t want to marry,” he said.
“What they hear on the phone, TV, TikTok — they don’t want to talk about marriage," Gbadebo added.
Another vendor, Saheed Adewale, believes that financial capacity remains the biggest barrier for men.
“Many boys want to marry, but the economic condition of Nigeria is an issue,” he said.
“Those working can only fend for themselves… Is it someone that has not fed himself that will feed someone?”
Adewale added that character assessment, especially consistency and values, is crucial. “You must monitor the girl you want to marry. Many girls now are after what is flashy… They don’t want to suffer and also don’t want to work.”
Deborah Babalola, a marketer, emphasised maturity and humility as part of virtue in sustaining relationships.
“Understanding matters… and this ‘sorry’ is very, very important. People lack it,” she said.
Citing an example of a failed marriage, she explained: “A lady I know, her marriage broke because she cannot say sorry, even if she’s wrong.”
She added that ego, from both men and women, often damages relationships: “This ego too men, I give it to you: you guys’ ego is much.”
Despite differing experiences, those who spoke to our correspondent agreed that marriage requires financial readiness, character evaluation, emotional intelligence and a realistic understanding of modern pressures. They said these factors are now central for young Nigerians navigating love, partnership and long-term commitment.
