Nigerians Share How Their Partners Help Them Afford Their Lifestyle

According to the State of Income Report, three out of four salary earners in Nigeria take home less than ₦200,000 each month. As the cost of living continues to climb, having a partner who shares financial responsibilities can make a significant difference. For the five Nigerians below, their relationships have created opportunities, reduced money worries, and helped them enjoy lifestyles they might not have managed alone. They explain what it is like to have a partner who makes life a little easier.

“I’ve been able to afford things I couldn’t before” — Hannah*, 29

I live with my boyfriend, and being with him has made managing my finances much easier. He owns his apartment, so I don’t have to worry about rent. He also handles most of the household utilities, while I mostly contribute towards food and other smaller expenses. I have a pretty comfortable job, so having that financial cushion means I can save more and spend on things I probably couldn’t have afforded before. This year, for example, I bought a luxury bag that would have been out of my budget two years ago. For my mum’s 60th birthday, I also threw her a lavish surprise party, and my boyfriend helped with some of the expenses. It’s the most financially secure I’ve ever felt in a relationship.

“He gave me the financial freedom to pursue my passion” — Wasilat*, 46

I was in an abusive relationship for almost 10 years, but I couldn’t leave because I was afraid of the financial uncertainty. My job didn’t pay much, and I had two kids to think about. Eventually, my ex abandoned us, and I had to start over. I never expected to find love again, but in 2017, I met a businessman who didn’t mind my past. After we got married, he took us in and completely changed our lives. At the time, my children were teenagers, and he enrolled them in British secondary schools in Nigeria. They’re both in universities abroad now, and he’s still funding their education. I’d always been passionate about fashion design, but my responsibilities had made it difficult to pursue. When I finally decided to quit my job and focus on my business full-time, he supported me. It’s been almost nine years since I last had to worry about money.

“Her inheritance changed my life” — Tayo*, 41

When I married my wife, I knew her family was well-off, but I didn’t think it would have much of an impact on my life. That changed when her father died in 2023 and left her a significant inheritance. She has two siblings, so everything was shared among them, but we still received millions of naira, excluding the landed properties and other assets she inherited. I’d never laid my eyes on so much money in one account before. At the time, we were renting an apartment. The inheritance allowed us to buy a home in the heart of Abuja, and it cost more than I ever imagined spending on a house. We’ve also invested in stocks and started building a trust fund for our children. For the first year after she received the money, we hardly touched our salaries. I was able to save a lot more and even went to Kigali with my friends last year. I wouldn’t have been able to afford that trip, or the life we have now, on my own.

“Having a generous partner will always be my priority” — Alice*, 27

I’ve always been practical about dating. For me, it’s not just about having someone who buys things for you. I also believe that having a financially successful partner can change your life. My first relationship was while I was still in school, and my boyfriend helped me land a good job immediately after graduation. That exposed me to many opportunities and made it easier for me to support my siblings. My current boyfriend travels a lot for work, and he takes me along. During those trips, I’ve grown my YouTube channel by creating aesthetic UGC. I’ve gained followers and even started getting brand deals. That’s why having a generous and financially stable partner will always be a priority for me.

“She helped me turn photography into a full-time career” — Ebuka*, 34

My fiancée works with international organisations and has connections with senior officials and executives. Whenever any of them needed a photographer for an event, she’d recommend me. Those opportunities became a major source of income for me, to the point where I left my 9-5 and started freelancing full-time. Being with her has also made me more financially responsible. We have a joint savings plan and save together, and her financial discipline has rubbed off on me. We’re currently saving because she dreams of having a destination wedding. Even though we’re quite strict with our finances, we still try to travel every year and go on dates.

The State of Income Report surveyed 5,000 workers across Nigeria’s formal and informal sectors to examine what Nigerians earn, where the money goes, and whether hard work actually translates to financial security.