- Some tribes in Nigeria are notable for expensive bride prices, even though the prices vary
- Negotiation is crucial, grooms must balance reducing costs without appearing incapable of providing
- Some of the tribes with expensive bride prices as compiled by TheRadar include Mbaise, Bororo, Annang, Igbo and Kalabari
In Nigeria, the tradition of bride price, where a groom provides payment to the bride's family in exchange for their consent and blessing is a deeply rooted cultural practice. While this custom is prevalent across various ethnic groups, the expectations and amounts can vary significantly, with some tribes known for particularly high demands.
Significance of bride price in Nigerian marriages
The payment of bride price is crucial for the validation of marriages in Nigeria, transcending tribal lines. It serves as a symbol of respect and commitment, formalising the union between families. However, the required amounts can differ widely. In some regions, families may request modest sums, while in others, the expectations can reach substantial figures, even as economic challenges persist in Nigeria.
Diverse forms of bride price
Traditionally, bride price is monetary, but certain Nigerian tribes incorporate other forms of payment. These can include land, livestock, or other valuable assets. The importance placed on bride price is such that cohabiting with a woman without fulfilling this obligation is socially and morally frowned upon, with the man often labelled derogatorily, and the woman perceived as lacking self-worth.
Negotiating bride prices
Negotiation is a common aspect of the bride price process in Nigeria. Families typically allow potential grooms to discuss and possibly reduce certain items on the marriage list due to financial constraints, religious considerations, or the unavailability of specific items. The aim is to manage costs and avoid financial strain.
However, grooms should approach negotiations tactfully. Failing to negotiate might suggest to the bride's family that the groom is affluent, potentially leading to further demands. Conversely, aggressive bargaining could imply financial incapacity, raising concerns about the groom's ability to care for their daughter.
12 tribes with notably high bride prices
Here is a list of 12 tribes in Nigeria with expensive bride prices as compiled by TheRadar.
1.Mbaise (Imo State)
Located in the eastern part of Nigeria, the Mbaise people have a detailed marriage process culminating in a comprehensive list of items, known as "Ime Ego" in Igbo. This list can amount to significant sums, especially if the bride is educated.
2. Bororo (Adamawa State)
A subgroup of the Fulani ethnic group, the Bororo traditionally require the groom to provide livestock, particularly cows, as part of the bride price. The number of cows demanded can range from 10 to 50, depending on various factors, making the bride price among the Bororo tribe quite substantial. The demand for livestock is usually influenced by their livestock and pastoral lifestyle in Bororo, where cattle represent wealth, status, and sustenance.
3. Okrika (Rivers State)
Grooms intending to marry an Okrika woman should budget at least ₦400,000 for the bride's father and ₦250,000–₦300,000 for the bride's mother, totaling about ₦700,000. This excludes additional expenses for other family members and ceremonial gifts, bringing the overall cost to approximately ₦1.5 million or more.
4. Annang (Akwa Ibom State)
The Annang people have a marriage list that can span multiple pages, with monetary aspects varying significantly. The comprehensive nature of their traditional marriage rites contributes to the overall expense.
5. Shuwa Arab (Borno and Yobe states)
Marriage ceremonies among the Shuwa Arab are elaborate, often lasting a week or more. The groom is obligated to give the bride's family 12 gold coins and between 15 to 100 cows, with the number increasing based on the bride's beauty and education.
6. Ogoja (Cross River State)
Marrying from the Ogoja people involves fulfilling an extensive list of items before the bride is handed over to the groom's family. While the bride price itself may be returned after the ceremony, the long list of required items remains with the bride's family.
7. Nkpa (Abia State)
The Nkpa people have structured their traditional marriage rites to favour intra-marriages, making it challenging for outsiders. A groom from outside the Nkpa community must be prepared to organise a traditional marriage ceremony accommodating not just the bride's family but the entire Nkpa community, with numerous items required for various family members.
8. Efik (Cross River State)
The Efik people, primarily located in Calabar, are known for their elaborate traditional marriage ceremonies. A potential groom is expected to host a carnival-like event, especially if the bride hails from an influential family. Notably, the Efik bride price is often estimated in foreign currency, reflecting historical influences.
9. Ikwerre (Rivers State)
The Ikwerre people have substantial bride prices and marriage lists generated by the bride's family. The total expenses can run into ₦1 million or more, reflecting the value they place on their daughters.
10. Ibibio (Akwa Ibom State)
For the Ibibio people, marrying the first daughter, known as 'Adiaha,' involves several traditional rites, including specific ceremonies and the provision of a cow. The comprehensive nature of these rites contributes to the overall expense.
11. Kalabari (Rivers State)
The Kalabari people are known for their elaborate marriage lists and substantial bride prices. A typical Kalabari wedding can cost upwards of ₦1 million, with the groom subjected to various payments throughout the ceremony.
In Igboland, the traditional marriage list is a standardised document prepared by the community, making it nearly impossible for the bride’s parents to alter it in favour of their prospective son-in-law. While the specifics vary between communities, certain elements remain consistent. In some cases, a prospective groom may be required to contribute to a community project, depending on its nature. Additionally, in certain communities, the cost of the bride price may be influenced by factors such as her level of education, her field of study at a higher institution, and other considerations.
Celebrating Love the Nigerian Way: Unique traditional wedding customs across ethnic groups
In an earlier report, TheRadar compiled a list of 26 rich and unique wedding traditions in Nigeria.
Nigeria has a lot of rich and unique wedding traditions in various tribes which include bride price payment, traditional marriage list, elders' blessing, wine-carrying ceremony, matching-outfits (Aso ebi), rain prayers and tree-knocking ceremony among others.
