Major Reasons Nigerian Couples Divorce
According to a 2017 report by the National Population Commission of Nigeria, the divorce rate in Nigeria is on the rise, with almost one in four marriages ending in divorce. There are many factors that contribute to this high divorce rate, including infidelity, communication problems, financial difficulties, domestic violence, and a lack of commitment. These issues, along with cultural and societal pressures, can put a strain on marriages and make it difficult for couples to stay together. Despite the challenges, many Nigerians still value the institution of marriage and are committed to finding ways to strengthen and preserve their relationships.
TOP REASONS COUPLES DIVORCE IN NIGERIA
Marriage is hard work which requires patience and understanding from both partners to be successful. Sometimes, Nigerian couples feel that they can no longer get along and decide to get divorced, seeking help from lawyers to legally end their marriage. Here are some major reasons couples in Nigeria divorce.
INFIDELITY
Infidelity is a common cause of divorce in Nigeria, with many couples citing infidelity as the main reason for the breakdown of their marriage. In a society where marriage is often seen as a sacred institution, infidelity can be especially devastating and can damage the trust and connection between spouses.
There are a number of cultural and societal factors that contribute to infidelity in Nigeria. One factor is the societal pressure to succeed and provide for one’s family, which can lead some men to seek out additional sources of income or validation through extramarital affairs. In addition, there is often a double standard when it comes to infidelity, with men being more likely to engage in extramarital affairs without facing the same level of criticism or consequences as women.
Another cultural factor that can contribute to infidelity is the traditional expectation for men to have multiple wives, which is allowed under Islamic law and practiced in some parts of Nigeria. While polygamy is not as common as it once was, it can still create tension and jealousy within a marriage and lead to infidelity.
Overall, infidelity is a complex issue that is influenced by a variety of cultural and societal factors. It is important for couples to communicate openly and honestly about their expectations and needs in order to build and maintain trust in their relationship.
LACK OF COMMUNICATION
Lack of communication is a key factor why Nigerian couples divorce, as it can lead to misunderstandings, resentment, and a sense of disconnection between spouses. When couples are unable to effectively communicate with one another, it can be difficult to resolve conflicts and address problems in their relationship.
Effective communication is essential for building and maintaining a strong, healthy relationship. It involves listening to one another, expressing one’s needs and feelings, and being open to hearing the perspective of your partner. It is also important to communicate openly and honestly, rather than holding grudges or bottling up negative emotions.
In addition to resolving conflicts and addressing problems, good communication is also important for maintaining intimacy and connection in a relationship. When Nigerian couples are able to openly and honestly communicate with one another, it can help them feel closer and more connected.
Overall, the importance of communication in a relationship cannot be overstated. It is essential for building trust, resolving conflicts, and maintaining a strong and healthy connection with your partner.
FINANCIAL ISSUES
Financial issues can be a major source of stress and strain in a marriage, as they can affect a couple’s ability to provide for themselves and their family and can lead to conflicts over financial decision-making. In Nigeria, where cultural expectations and gender roles can play a significant role in financial matters, financial issues can be especially challenging for couples to navigate.
One way that financial issues can lead to divorce among couples in Nigeria is through the financial burden of supporting a family. In Nigeria, it is often the responsibility of the husband to provide for his family, which can put pressure on him to earn a high income. If a couple is struggling financially, it can create tension and feelings of inadequacy for the husband, as well as feelings of frustration and resentment for the wife.
Cultural expectations and gender roles can also play a role in financial decision-making and conflicts within a marriage. In some Nigerian cultures, the husband is expected to have the final say in financial matters, while in others, both partners may have equal input. These cultural expectations can create conflicts if one partner feels that their input is not being valued or considered.
Overall, financial issues can be a major reason in the breakdown of most Nigerian marriages, and it is important for couples to communicate openly and honestly about their financial goals and concerns. By working together and finding solutions to their financial challenges, couples can strengthen their relationship and reduce the risk of financial-related conflicts.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Domestic violence is another serious cause of high rate of divorces in Nigeria, with many women and men experiencing physical, emotional, and psychological abuse within their marriages. Domestic violence can have a devastating impact on marriages, causing damage to the physical and mental health of the victims and eroding the trust and connection between spouses.
One of the main ways that domestic violence can impact a marriage is through the physical harm it causes to the victim. Physical abuse can result in serious injuries or even death, and can leave the victim with physical and emotional scars that can be difficult to heal. Domestic violence can also have a psychological impact on the victim, causing feelings of fear, shame, and worthlessness.
Another way that domestic violence can impact a marriage is by eroding the trust and connection between spouses. When one partner is abusive, it can be difficult for the victim to feel safe and secure in the relationship. This can lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection, and can make it difficult for the couple to rebuild their relationship.
It is important for couples experiencing domestic violence to seek help and support in order to prevent further harm and protect their safety. There are a number of resources available in Nigeria for victims of domestic violence, including shelters, hotlines, and counseling services. By seeking help and addressing the issue of domestic violence, couples can take steps to rebuild their relationship and create a safer and healthier environment for themselves and their family.
LACK OF COMMITMENT
A lack of commitment can be a major factor in the erosion of trust and connection in a marriage, as it can lead to feelings of insecurity and instability in the relationship. When one or both partners are not fully committed to the marriage, it can be difficult to build and maintain trust and connection.
One way that a lack of commitment can lead to the erosion of trust and connection in a marriage is through infidelity. When one partner is not committed to the relationship, they may be more likely to engage in extramarital affairs, which can damage the trust and connection between spouses. A lack of commitment can also lead to a lack of effort in the relationship, as the partner may not see the value in putting in the work to maintain the marriage.
There are a number of individual and societal expectations that can influence commitment and dedication to a marriage. In Nigeria, marriage is often seen as a sacred institution, and there is a societal expectation for couples to stay together and work through their problems. However, individual expectations can also play a role in commitment, as each partner may have their own ideas about what they want and need from the relationship.
Overall, commitment is an important factor in building and maintaining a strong, healthy marriage. It involves a dedication to the relationship and a willingness to work through challenges and difficulties. By maintaining a strong commitment to their marriage, couples can build trust, connection, and a sense of stability in their relationship.
CONCLUSION
There are several key reasons why Nigerian couples divorce, including infidelity, communication problems, financial difficulties, domestic violence, and a lack of commitment. These issues, along with cultural and societal pressures, can put a strain on marriages and make it difficult for couples to stay together.
In order to strengthen and preserve marriages in Nigeria, it is important for couples to address these issues and work to resolve conflicts and build a strong, healthy relationship. This may involve seeking help and support from friends, family, or professionals, as well as working to improve communication and address problems within the marriage. By addressing these issues and working together, couples can build a strong foundation for their relationship and increase their chances of a successful and fulfilling marriage.
