On April 23, 2025, Nigerian rapper Erigga, known as @erigganewmoney on X, posted a provocative statement that ignited a firestorm of reactions: “Nigerian women are not deep. They date for survival, not romance.” The post, which has since garnered significant attention, challenges societal perceptions of relationships in Nigeria, suggesting that love is often overshadowed by financial dependency.
See post:
Nigerian women are not deep. They date for survival, not romance. Thus, intentional man means rich. Romance means monetary gesture.
— 𝙴𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚐𝚊 (@erigganewmoney) April 23, 2025
Love means footing their bills. What you people are doing in Nigeria, is not relationship….
Erigga’s post, reads:
“Nigerian women are not deep. They date for survival, not romance. Thus, intentional man means rich. Romance means monetary gesture. Love means footing their bills. What you people are doing in Nigeria, is not relationship….”
The rapper’s words paint a stark picture of relationships in Nigeria, framing them as transactional rather than emotional. He suggests that for many Nigerian women, an “intentional man” equates to a wealthy one, and romantic gestures are synonymous with financial support. Erigga concludes by questioning the authenticity of relationships in Nigeria, calling them something other than true partnerships.
Several X users echoed Erigga’s sentiments, pointing to socioeconomic realities in Nigeria as the root cause. For instance, @grayizzyz replied, “If you doubt this talk …. No give that girl money or gift from now till July 11 …. You go see say nah apc member you dey date so.” This response humorously suggests that withholding financial support would reveal a woman’s true intentions, implying that many relationships are indeed driven by material needs.
Another user, @nairafrost, provided a more nuanced take: “Most people are from a poor family+celebrity lifestyle culture+peer pressure+greed+men Constantly in their DMs ready to give them any amount to get into their promised land.” Nairafrost argues that societal pressures poverty, the allure of a lavish lifestyle, and men’s willingness to pay for affection—have shaped a culture where financial survival often trumps romantic ideals. @Harmless_GEO added, “Men are the problem coz they are the ones steadily enabling this nonsense,” highlighting how men’s behavior perpetuates the cycle.
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Not everyone agreed with Erigga’s blanket statement. @FloraAcetyra countered, “At the end of the day, if someone is only interested in what you can provide financially, that’s a red flag. True love and partnership go beyond just material things.” This response emphasizes the importance of emotional connection over financial dependency, suggesting that Erigga’s view oversimplifies the complexities of relationships.
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Similarly, @swizz25 defended traditional gender roles, stating, “When you have money and love a woman, you do the needful without even being told. The problem is that new generation men don’t want to continue being providers.” This perspective aligns with cultural expectations in Nigeria, where men are often seen as the primary providers, a role that has been normalized for generations.
