Since 2015 there have been a lot of upsets in the socio-economic lives of Nigerians triggered by inimical government policies, lack of jobs, and poor remuneration for majority of employees in public and private sectors of the economy.
This new development has also affected marriage and family relationships. And one of the major problems is rising infidelity among couples in Nigeria.
Observers indicate that infidelity is on the rise due to a complex interplay of increased opportunity, shifting social norms, and personal factors that prioritize individual gratification over relational commitment. While personal satisfaction within a relationship remains a key factor, modern digital advancements and cultural changes have made it easier to engage in extramarital relationships
So, infidelity in Nigeria is rising due to a combination of economic, social, cultural, and technological factors that put pressure on traditional marital structures. Research indicates that marital infidelity is becoming increasingly common among both men and women, often driven by sexual dissatisfaction, financial pressure, and the need for emotional support
Some of the factors responsible for this include economic hardships, unemployment, and the high cost of living (inflation) create significant stress within marriages, leading to “emotional dissatisfaction” and the temptation to find partners who can provide financial support.
Some individuals engage in extra-marital affairs as a form of “exchange for job security” or financial stability.
Money is key in some situation. The phrase “no romance without finance” is cited as a reason some, particularly younger women, engage with wealthier “sugar daddies”.
Also, research found that lack of sex or sexual deprivation is a primary cause of cheating. Another is impotence, frigidity, or low sexual desire of a partner can drive the other to seek satisfaction outside the marriage.
Boredom in sexual routines and a lack of passion in long-term relationships contribute to infidelity. That is monotony, which is loosely called ‘see finish”
There are also socio-cultural factors. One of such factors is polygamous mind-set, where some men believe that it is not wrong to have multiple partners, even when married. Despite the rise of monogamous marriages, a traditional, deeply ingrained mind-set persists that men are naturally polygamous and require more than one woman. Ironically, such men may never brook it when their wives do the same.
Also, some partners, especially women, cheat to “get back” at their husbands for neglect, unfairness, or emotional pain.
The Inability to conceive is still perceived by many as a major threat to a marriage, sometimes driving one or both partners to look elsewhere. A lack of emotional support, care, and attention from a partner leads to emotional isolation and the search for companionship elsewhere.
Social Media and Dating Apps are also factors responsible for infidelity. The ease of meeting new people through Facebook and dating apps has increased opportunities for both emotional and physical infidelity.
Frequent travel and transfers, especially in the civil service, mean long periods of separation for couples, which facilitates opportunities for affairs.
Influence from friends and social networks that normalize or encourage having multiple partners (“extra-marital relationships”) contributes significantly to the trend.
Many people enter marriage too young or without proper emotional preparation, leading to inability to handle challenges and subsequent, unfaithful escapes.
When marriages are entered into due to parental pressure rather than love, the individuals involved are more likely to seek love elsewhere.
There is also women economic empowerment, which gives them confidence and makes them financially independent and the traditional role where the man funds the home has been eroded by the degenerating economy and subsequent poor disposable income among men.
Some Nigerians argue that marriage as an institution is deteriorating and this has to do with moral decay and diminishing values.
