Traditional Marriage in Nigeria: 4 States where bride price will break the bank

Bride price is an essential part of traditional marriage in Nigeria, symbolizing the groom’s appreciation and commitment to the bride’s family.

 While some regions have modest demands, others require extravagant payments that can run into millions of naira. Here are four states known for their high bride prices:

 Imo State (Mbaise)

Mbaise, located in Imo State, is one of the most expensive places to marry from in Nigeria. The traditional marriage process, known as Ime Ego (meaning “payment of money”), is rigorous and financially demanding.

The list of required items includes cash payments, drinks, foodstuffs, and gifts for extended family members.

Educated women from Mbaise often have an even higher bride price, making marriage negotiations more complex. The total cost can easily exceed one million naira, depending on the agreement between both families.

 Adamawa State (Bororo)

The Bororo people, a subgroup of the Fulani ethnic group in Adamawa State, have a unique bride price system centered around livestock.

Since cattle are a sign of wealth and status among the Fulani, a groom is expected to provide a significant number of cows before he can marry his bride.

The cost of fulfilling these requirements can be extremely high, as cows are expensive, with each one potentially costing hundreds of thousands of naira. The more cows a groom can provide, the greater his status within the community.

Rivers State (Okirika, Ikwerre, Kalabari, Ogoni)

Marrying from Rivers State is another expensive venture, particularly among the Okirika, Ikwerre, Kalabari, and Ogoni ethnic groups.

Traditional marriage in these communities involves an elaborate list of requirements, including monetary payments, material gifts, and contributions to the bride’s extended family.

One of the most expensive components is the “Ame Nda” (payment for the bride’s family lineage), which significantly increases the overall cost. Additionally, the groom may be required to perform specific traditional rites that add to the financial burden.

Akwa Ibom State (Annang, Ibibio)

The Annang and Ibibio people of Akwa Ibom State have one of the longest and most detailed marriage lists in Nigeria, often spanning several pages.

The monetary aspect varies, but it includes payments for the bride’s parents, community elders, and even distant relatives.