Nigerians’ Wasteful Spending on Lavish Events - 247Broadstreet.com

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Nigerians’ Wasteful Spending on Lavish Events: A Cultural Tradition Fueling Economic Disparity

 

In Nigeria, a country known for its vibrant culture and communal spirit, celebrations such as weddings, burials, and "owambe" parties are more than social gatherings—they are spectacles of opulence, status, and tradition. From the flamboyant spraying of money to extravagant displays of wealth, these events have become synonymous with Nigerian identity, particularly among the Yoruba, where the term "owambe" (meaning "it is there" in Yoruba, signifying a grand event) is a cultural hallmark. However, in a nation grappling with widespread poverty, soaring inflation, and economic instability, these lavish expenditures raise critical questions about their societal impact. This article delves into the phenomenon of wasteful spending on parties, burials, weddings, and money-spraying traditions in Nigeria, exploring their cultural roots, economic consequences, and the widening gap between the rich and the poor.

 

The Cultural Context of Lavish Celebrations in Nigeria

Nigerian celebrations, particularly among the Yoruba, Igbo, and other ethnic groups, are deeply rooted in communal values and social status. Weddings, burials, birthdays, and other milestones are not just personal events but opportunities to showcase wealth, strengthen social bonds, and honor tradition. The practice of "spraying money," where guests throw cash at celebrants or pin it to their clothing, is a prominent feature, especially at weddings and owambe parties. This tradition, which originated in the 1940s as a discreet gesture to support newlyweds, evolved during Nigeria’s oil boom in the 1960s and 1970s into a public display of affluence, often accompanied by Juju music and praise singers who amplify the spectacle by lauding the wealth of the sprayers.

The cultural allure of these events is undeniable. Guests don coordinated outfits called "aso ebi," which signify unity and often come with perks like priority seating or access to exclusive food options. Venues are adorned with elaborate decorations, and menus feature an array of local and intercontinental dishes, from jollof rice to lasagna, reflecting Nigeria’s love for culinary diversity. The atmosphere is electrified by live bands or DJs, with money-spraying moments creating a frenzy as guests compete to outshine one another with their generosity. For many Nigerians, these traditions are a source of pride, a way to celebrate life’s milestones, and a means of reinforcing social networks.

However, this cultural flamboyance comes at a steep cost. The Nigerian wedding industry, for instance, has become a symbol of extravagance, with couples hiring top-tier decorators, booking luxurious venues, and even using money-spraying machines to shower guests with cash. Burials, too, have transformed into lavish affairs, with families spending exorbitant amounts on caskets, entertainment, and feasts to honor the deceased. These practices, while culturally significant, often place immense financial pressure on hosts and attendees, contributing to a cycle of wasteful spending that has profound economic implications.  

The Economic Cost of Extravagance

Nigeria is facing its worst economic crisis in decades, with inflation soaring to 40% (the highest in nearly three decades), unemployment at 33.3%, and a record debt burden of N35.46 trillion as of 2021. The removal of fuel subsidies in 2023 under President Bola Tinubu, while aimed at improving government finances, has exacerbated the cost-of-living crisis, eroding disposable incomes and pushing millions into poverty. In this context, the lavish spending on parties and ceremonies stands in stark contrast to the economic realities faced by most Nigerians.

The cost of hosting a single owambe or wedding can run into millions of naira. For example, high-profile events often involve renting large venues like Havilah Event Centre in Lagos, hiring celebrity entertainers, and providing lavish spreads that include local delicacies like pounded yam and egusi soup alongside international dishes. The expectation to wear aso ebi, which can cost thousands of naira per guest, adds another layer of expense, as attendees feel pressured to conform to maintain social standing. Money-spraying, while a highlight of these events, further inflates costs, with some individuals using freshly minted notes or foreign currencies like dollars and pounds to signal wealth. A notable case is that of Emeka Okonkwo, known as E-Money, who made headlines by using a money-spraying machine at a wedding, showering the couple with an undisclosed but substantial sum.

These expenditures are not limited to the wealthy. Middle- and lower-income families often feel compelled to compete, taking out loans or depleting savings to host events that meet societal expectations. Guests, too, face pressure to spray money, even when their financial situation is precarious. The result is a culture of financial overextension, where individuals prioritize short-term displays of wealth over long-term financial stability. 

In a country where 91 million people live in extreme poverty and many survive on meager incomes, such spending habits exacerbate economic inequality.  

The Legal and Social Controversy of Money-Spraying

Money-spraying, while culturally ingrained, is illegal under Nigerian law. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act of 2007, Section 21, classifies spraying, dancing, or marching on the naira as currency abuse, punishable by a minimum of six months in prison, a fine of N50,000 ($32), or both. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has campaigned against the practice, arguing that it disrespects the naira, a national symbol, and contributes to its devaluation, which has fallen 70% in value over two years. In 2025, a high-profile case saw Abdullahi Musa Huseini, a makeup artist known as "Amuscap," sentenced to six months in prison for spraying money at his wedding.

Despite these legal measures, enforcement remains inconsistent. Videos of celebrities, politicians, and businesspeople spraying money at events, including a concert held after a burial, often go unpunished, fueling public outcry and perceptions of selective justice. Social media debates, such as one sparked by a video of President Buhari’s daughter being sprayed at her wedding, highlight the tension between cultural tradition and legal accountability. Critics argue that the practice not only devalues the currency but also perpetuates a materialistic mindset that prioritizes ostentatious displays over substantive wealth-building.  

The Widening Gap: How Wasteful Spending Fuels Poverty

The economic disparity in Nigeria is stark, with a small elite enjoying immense wealth while the majority languish in poverty. The country is often described as the "poverty capital of the world," with public officials living in opulence while human development indices remain among the lowest globally. Lavish spending on parties and ceremonies exacerbates this divide in several ways:

1.     Resource Misallocation: Funds spent on extravagant events could be invested in education, healthcare, or small businesses, which have higher long-term returns for individuals and communities. For example, the N1.8 trillion spent on debt servicing in the first five months of 2021 highlights the strain on public finances, yet private spending on luxuries continues unabated.

2.     Social Pressure and Debt: The expectation to host or attend lavish events pushes many Nigerians into debt. Families may borrow to afford aso ebi or to spray money, trapping them in a cycle of financial strain. This is particularly damaging for low-income households already struggling with rising food prices and unemployment.

3.     Cultural Reinforcement of Materialism: The emphasis on money-spraying and opulent displays reinforces a materialistic culture that equates wealth with social status. This mindset discourages prudent financial planning and investment, perpetuating poverty among the masses.

4.     Economic Inefficiency: Money sprayed at events is often collected by assistants or lost in the frenzy, reducing its economic utility. Unlike investments that generate returns, this cash flow serves little productive purpose, contributing to wasteful expenditure.

The contrast between Nigeria’s economic realities and its party culture is striking. While some Nigerians resort to eating discarded rice due to food scarcity, others spend millions on single events. Protesters under the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria banner have decried this disparity, pointing to government extravagance—such as renovating the vice president’s residence—while citizens struggle to afford basics.  

A Global Perspective: Is Money-Spraying Unique to Nigeria?

While money-spraying is a hallmark of Nigerian celebrations, similar traditions exist globally. In Poland, guests pin money to the bride’s gown or place it in a purse during a "money dance." Ukrainians use an apron to collect cash, while Hungarians pass around the bride’s shoes for contributions. These practices, like Nigeria’s, symbolize goodwill and prosperity but differ in their execution and cultural context. In Nigeria, the public and ostentatious nature of money-spraying, often involving large sums and foreign currencies, sets it apart as a display of status rather than just a gesture of support.

Other countries, such as Cuba, Mexico, and the Philippines, also incorporate money dances, but Nigeria’s version is amplified by its scale and the economic backdrop. While a Polish money dance might involve modest contributions, Nigerian events often see thousands of naira or dollars thrown in a single moment, reflecting the country’s history of oil wealth and cultural flamboyance.  

Toward a More Sustainable Future

Addressing Nigeria’s culture of wasteful spending requires balancing respect for tradition with economic pragmatism. Here are some strategies to mitigate the negative impacts:

1.     Promote Financial Literacy: Educating Nigerians about budgeting, saving, and investing can shift focus from short-term displays to long-term wealth creation. Community programs and schools could emphasize the value of financial discipline.

2.     Encourage Modest Celebrations: Cultural leaders and influencers can advocate for simpler, meaningful events that prioritize connection over extravagance. For example, enveloping money for celebrants, as suggested by some, respects the naira while maintaining the spirit of giving.

3.     Strengthen Legal Enforcement: Consistent enforcement of anti-money-spraying laws, without bias toward elites, could deter the practice and redirect funds to productive uses. Mobile courts, as proposed by the CBN, could be more active in monitoring high-profile events.

4.     Address Economic Inequality: Government policies that reduce poverty, such as improving access to education and healthcare, could lessen the pressure to compete through lavish displays. Protests like #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria highlight the need for systemic change to address the root causes of economic disparity.

5.     Cultural Reimagination: Nigerians could adapt traditions to align with economic realities, such as emphasizing non-monetary gestures of celebration or capping aso ebi costs to make events more inclusive.  

Conclusion

Nigeria’s love for lavish parties, burials, and weddings is a testament to its vibrant culture and communal spirit. However, in a nation where millions struggle to afford basic necessities, the practice of wasteful spending—epitomized by money-spraying and extravagant events—contributes to a growing divide between the rich and the poor. While these traditions have deep cultural roots, their economic consequences cannot be ignored. By fostering financial literacy, enforcing legal standards, and reimagining cultural practices, Nigerians can preserve the joy of celebration while building a more equitable and sustainable future. The challenge lies in balancing pride in heritage with the urgent need to address economic realities, ensuring that the pursuit of status does not deepen the poverty of the masses.

 

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