Why Nigeria is Recording High Divorce Rate

Since the last 20 years, Nigeria has been recording growing high rate of divorce. This is attributed to many factors. Some years ago, the wife of an outgoing German ambassador to Nigeria granted an interview. The journalist asked her why there was more divorce rate in Germany compared to Nigeria, she replied that Nigerians were poor; that many women who were not happy in their marriage had to endure instead of leaving due to poverty.

But since then women are being empowered economically, getting more educated and becoming more independent.

However, major factors why divorce rate is on the increase include the same financial hardship. Some women leave when their partners cannot take care of them and possible children. Other factors include infidelity, domestic violence, and a breakdown in communication.

Although Nigeria does not have comprehensive statistics of the rate of divorce from year to year, but data indicates a rising trend, with courts observing a “significant increase” and reports of a divorce rate of 1.8% per 1,000 people in 2023.

Datphyte quoting divorce.com noted that out of 26 countries, Nigeria has the 11th highest divorce rate, and the report showed that women in Sub-Saharan Africa, especially in Nigeria, are more actively involved in filing for divorce compared to men.

The report claimed that Nigeria’s divorce rate reached 2.9 per cent in 2023 based on available data on marriage and divorce, which translates to 1.8 per cent divorces per 1,000 people in the same year.

Major factors contributing to Nigeria’s high divorce rate include financial hardship, infidelity, domestic violence, and a breakdown in communication. Others are societal shifts, such as changing gender roles and Western influence, also play a significant role by reshaping traditional family expectations. Changing gender roles is a situation where the man in the traditional marital system is responsible for financing the home but now relegated the responsibility to his wife.

Socio-economic factors include economic instability, poverty, and unemployment, which place immense strain on marriages. When one or both partners are unable to meet their financial obligations, it can lead to resentment and conflict.

Increased women’s independence is also a factor. Woem are attaining high educational levels and employment opportunities for women have increased their financial autonomy. This reduces their reliance on a husband for survival, making it easier to leave an unhappy or abusive marriage.

Some individuals, however, enter marriage with unrealistic expectations, believing it will solve all their problems. When the realities of daily life introduce stress, debt, and busy schedules, the resulting disappointment can lead to conflict and divorce.

Poverty and wealth gaps: Couples may experience stress due to a disparity in income or financial decisions, particularly if one partner conceals their economic status or one spouse assumes the bulk of financial responsibilities.

Another factor is infidelity. Adultery is a consistently cited reason for divorce and a major breach of trust that can cause relationships to break down.

There is also domestic violence. Physical, verbal, emotional, and psychological abuse are significant causes for divorce, with Nigeria’s legal system recognizing domestic violence as a valid ground for dissolving a marriage.

Poor communication is another factor. A lack of effective communication is a leading factor in marital failure. When couples cannot resolve issues respectfully and collaborate on solutions, disagreements can intensify and erode intimacy and respect.

Many couples marry for reasons like social status rather than compatibility, only to discover later that they cannot live together harmoniously due to differing personalities and ideologies.

Then another major factor is childlessness. In some Nigerian cultures, high importance is placed on procreation. The inability to have children can put immense pressure on a marriage, leading to instability and, often, divorce.

Addiction and criminal behaviour can also be a factor. Problems such as drug or alcohol addiction, or a partner’s criminal conviction and imprisonment, can destroy a marriage.

Analysts believe that feminism has its own contribution but it is not directly causing divorce but increasing awareness of women’s rights. Feminism in Nigeria seem to challenge traditional patriarchal structures, which is what strong marriage system is built on and this can lead to marital discord and divorce. Women challenge societal expectations and seek equality in roles, opportunities, and decision-making within marriages and this can create conflict with partners who are accustomed to traditional power dynamics, potentially leading to separation and divorce.

There is also a touch of cynicism and misinformation in the way many women promote feminism in Nigeria. They see it as men vs women, creating antagonism and misinterpreting actions and utterances to incite and instigate women against their spouses. Also, many women who advocate this version of feminism are those in their later 30s and 40s who apply sadistic approach to the campaign for women freedom.

However, journalist and Editor of The Travelport.com.ng, aviation online magazine, Shade Williams, identified factors responsible for the growing high rate of divorce in Nigeria to include lack of communication; pride; social influence/pressure; family decision/pressure (both sides); battering; unnecessary control.

She noted that most marriages are still intact today because some spouses are using patience to brook their partners’ excesses.

“Patience is partly a factor because I believe with patience and time, he/she could realise his/ mistake and may likely retrace his or her steps and change,” Williams said.

She disagreed that men are the major cause of divorce, saying that both parties contribute to it “but in Nigeria it appears men are the major cause because women display emotions that make people generally believe that 85% of the issue comes from the husband.”

She also said that the economy is not a major but a contributory factor to divorce.