Love is arguably one of the most universal human experiences.

Nigeria is a bit of a mess right now.

These are two irrefutable truths.

We are here today to explore the intersection between these realities and give the struggling youth (you) something to hold on to in these less-than-ideal times.

Use this one hold body.

We, as a country, love a good romance. Nigerian men didn’t earn their reputation for being overwhelmingly charming and astonishingly demonic by word of mouth alone, dear.

According to a report by SBM Intelligence, which surveyed respondents aged 18 to 65 from Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt, this year, 85.6% of respondents planned Valentine’s Day celebrations, up from 62.8% in 2024.

Granted, the survey only considers a section of the population, but it is somewhat representative. You could even argue that romance is blooming despite the heavy shadow of the Nigerian government…

Anyway, you know we’re all about understanding the human picture/translating statistics into real life/giving you hot gist – whatever you want to call it.

So.

In this exploration of how Nigerians are navigating love and dating during an economic crisis, we found three stories that capture real Nigerian perspectives and are dripping with juice, too:

We’ll be hearing from A Real Lover (someone in a relationship), A Dating Diva (someone dating), and a Single Pringle (self-explanatory).

You know when you can’t help but be amazing, multifaceted and ahead of the class?

That’s us, dear.

Meet our Respondents

Bolaji, our Real Lover: A dangerously in love Lagos sweet talker and real estate agent. Along with helpless gushing and some indelicately delivered f-bombs, he gisted us about he and his babe’s future wedding, how he plans in advance for celebrations, why he believes money is both important but simultaneously doesn’t matter, how to keep romance alive without breaking the bank, and why being completely honest about finances is an absolute must in a relationship.

Bimo, our Dating Diva: A medical doctor living in Abeokuta (“Abex”) currently dating a teetotal (surprise!) Lagosian. He is absolutely smitten with said man, and according to Bimo, they are hurtling towards a relationship. Even though all he wanted to do was gush over his lover, we discussed their potentially differing approaches to money, his romantic and financial expectations, what it’s like dating interstate in Nigeria, and why having money opens up romantic possibilities.

Debbie, our Single Pringle: A freshly graduated, self-dubbed “celebrity photographer” who lives in Port Harcourt and wants to experience a “provider man”. We spoke about why, now, more than ever, being in a relationship might be an inspired choice, her experiences with dangerously poor men, cute and affordable places to go in the garden city, and the very specific advice she’d give other (broke) single people looking to date.

You don’t need to be spiritual to know that all three were a hoot, and you are mandated by law (us) to listen.

Their Stories

So,

It seems real lovers aren’t extinct after all, it’s just how we love that’s changing – smaller, more thoughtful gestures are becoming a thing, both out of necessity and a desire for deeper connection, and physically going on dates seems to be competing with quieter times at home.

So, at the end of the day, we find ourselves at a powerful truth.

Who go love, go love.

Anyway, the conversations were too gem-studded for us not to give you an index, so out of the goodness of our hearts…

The Love-Life on a Budget Index

Before you zoom off to text the object of your affections, help us with this;

What’s a budget-friendly date idea you think is really underrated?

How did you spend Valentine’s Day?

If you’re too lazy to do that (we’re judging), tap an emoji below to let us know how you feel about this article!