The so-called ‘50/50 dating trend’, where both partners are expected to share expenses equally, is gaining traction among younger Nigerians. Some argue that equality means splitting the bill, while others believe chivalry isn’t dead, and men should still take the lead when it comes to footing bills.
Though more women are financially independent today, they still see the 50/50 rule as unromantic, even disrespectful. On social media, especially on X (formerly Twitter), the debate resurfaces every now and then, and it never fails to divide opinions.
To cut through the online noise, we went straight to the source. Here’s what Nigerians told us about going 50/50.
1. “This isn’t how I want to be loved for the rest of my life” – Amaka, 25
“Absofreakinglutely not!
My idea of a perfect date is having him plan an activity we’d both enjoy, at a place we’d both like, and eat food we both want. He plans it, comes to pick me up, we go there, have the best day ever, and he drops me off. Then, I spend the rest of the evening reminiscing on how beautiful the day was.
Now, why would a man who wants the best for me expect me to split the bill? This isn’t how I want to be loved for the rest of my life. He’s supposed to make my life sweeter and easier, and that doesn’t include money coming out of my pocket, fr.
I can take him out and say, ‘It’s on me.’ I’ve done that plenty of times. But for there to be a rule that we must equally split the bill? Hian! So instead of opening my camera app to take pictures, I should be opening my calculator and bank app? Ah God abeg!”
2. If we’re both working, why not share the cost? – Tunde, 30
If we both have jobs, I don’t see the big deal in splitting the bill. Relationships should be about partnership, not dependence. I don’t believe a man must always pay, especially when the woman earns well. If we both eat, we both pay.
3. “If you asked me out, you’re paying.” – Teni, 22
“I don’t believe that women should have to pay 50/50 on dates unless previously agreed to before the date. My thing is, the person who should pay for the date is the person who brought up the idea of the date and took the other person out, regardless of gender.
In a case where the man is the one who asked a woman out, he should not ask or expect her to pay for anything, unless she says she wants to.”
4. “Everyone says 50/50, but it’s the women who still do all the chores” – Funke, 29
“No. I have realised that we are living in a highly patriarchal society, that even if you want to do 50/50, you will be the only one doing 80 while the man does 20.
Let me give you instances: everyone says 50/50, but it’s the women who still do all the chores while the men only bring 50. Mind you, the woman is bringing 50, doing chores and child-rearing. So no, while I support equality, except you know your man is contributing equally in all other areas of life, I will never advise a woman to do 50/50.
I have not met any woman that does not give her man anything when in love. But I have met men that even in ‘love’ will never do chores.”
5. “I don’t mind splitting. It’s 2025, not 1925.” – Chika, 32
“I think the 50/50 conversation has gotten too emotional. If I ask a woman out, I’ll pay, no stress. But if she offers to split, I won’t see it as a red flag. To me, it’s just a date, not a marriage proposal. What matters is that both people are comfortable and not keeping score.”
6. “If I really like her, I’m paying everything.” – Femi, 30
“I’m not rich o, but I prefer to handle the bill because I was raised that way. If I like a woman, I don’t want her stressing about money. Later on, when we’re together, she can surprise me. But first impressions matter, and for me, that means I’m paying.”
7. “If you say 50/50, I’m gone.” – Lara, 27
“That doesn’t exist in my world view. I don’t pay on first dates. If we eventually become a thing then I could occasionally do so. I take to my heels when a man mentions 50/50 shared responsibilities. I don’t trust a man who says that.
It’s literally just food, it can’t be that expensive. Pay up, bro.”
8. “No real man does 50/50.” – Vanessa, 28
“No. The guy should pay for all the dates, especially in the talking stage. However, in a relationship, the lady can pay for some dates she initiates but no date should be 50/50. The moment a date becomes 50/50, you have to question whether the person really likes you or not because a man who really likes you would spend on you no matter how small.”
9. “I prefer alternating. She pays this time, I pay next time” – Jide, 32
I don’t mind splitting, but I think alternating is better. It feels more natural than dividing every single bill. One person pays today, the other covers the next outing. That way, no one feels used or taken for granted.
10. “It’s a pride thing for Nigerian men.” – Bisi, 26
“I don’t believe women should pay 50/50 on dates because they are meeting for the first time. The man asks the girl out on a date, not the other way round, so bills on him.
50/50 is Western culture, and in Nigeria, men paying bills on a date boosts their ego of being able to afford the woman. It gives them a sense of control and being in charge.
The reason for dates is for both parties to get to know each other, to see if they’re compatible. If you meet a man who insists on 50/50 on a first date, you just automatically know that he is not sufficient enough to raise a family or even be in a relationship. Men who do that don’t have that provider mindset. It’s a thing of pride for them to provide.”
Nigerians and the 50/50 relationship trend
From these responses, it’s clear that opinions remain split (pun intended).
In the end, whether couples are splitting bills, alternating, or letting one partner take charge, balance, mutual respect, and agreement are what make any relationship work.
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