A Nigerian man has recently stirred considerable debate online following his controversial claim regarding women, marriage, and urban living. In a social media post that quickly went viral, he asserted that women residing in major Nigerian cities, including Lagos, Abuja, Owerri, Asaba, and Port Harcourt, face significant obstacles when it comes to finding a spouse unless they consider relocating to another state.
Man’s perspective on marriage prospects in urban centres
In his post, he claimed that urban living, career ambitions, and societal pressures in large metropolitan areas can limit a woman’s opportunities to get married. He stated, “As a lady, you can’t be staying in Lagos, Abuja, Owerri, Asaba, or Port Harcourt and say you want to get married; if you want to get married you have to change state.”
The comment immediately attracted widespread attention on X (formerly Twitter) and other social media platforms, with users both criticising and defending the viewpoint. While some saw it as a blunt reflection of demographic and cultural realities, others argued that location should not determine marriage prospects in contemporary Nigeria.
According to him, high cost of living, competitive career landscapes, and the fast-paced urban lifestyle contribute to women in these cities prioritising personal and professional growth over settling down. He believes that moving to a smaller city or town may provide more opportunities for traditional matchmaking and long-term relationship formation.
Debate on societal expectations and urban life
The statement has sparked intense conversations around societal norms, gender expectations, and the role of urban migration in modern relationships. Many social media users engaged in discussions about whether women should compromise career ambitions for marriage or whether men and women should adapt to each other’s environments instead of relocating.
Some users argued that the idea of relocation for marriage reinforces outdated gender norms, while others pointed out the practical reality that rural or less populous states may have more marriageable partners relative to urban centres, potentially increasing the chances of finding a spouse.
Humorous and critical reactions online
Social media reactions were varied, with many users responding with humour, sarcasm, and personal opinions. Some expressed agreement with the man’s claim, while others ridiculed it or questioned its relevance in modern Nigerian society.
@lifeinsolace commented: “Sometimes, I pity Nigerian women. You guys should cut them a slack. They are humans, too. They only want to earn a living in cities like you guys do.”
@King_Oziegbe wrote: “Everybody’s quick to preach and dish out unsolicited advice. But what does places have to do with marriages?”
@Real_Gillo added: “But women are getting married every Saturday in those states.”
@socryptoempire chimed in: “Marriage no be real estate investment, oga.”
@nelssop remarked: “U won’t believe but his saying the simplest truth.”
Some social media users further debated the intersection of career priorities and marriage readiness, highlighting the complexity of dating in metropolitan areas where young professionals may delay marriage due to work, financial planning, and lifestyle considerations.
Despite the controversy, the post has ignited a larger conversation about the evolving dynamics of relationships in Nigeria’s urban centres and the role of location in modern matchmaking practices.
Watch the video below…
“As a lady, you can’t be staying in Lagos, Abuja, Owerri, or Port Harcourt and say you want to get married; you have to change state.”👀👀
— Man claims pic.twitter.com/XVadOqWjqg
— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) January 6, 2026
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