A woman has told a court that her husband provides her with just ₦50 a day to feed the family, sparking disbelief and highlighting the extent of hardship some households face in Nigeria.
The woman, whose name was not immediately disclosed in open reports, appeared before a family court this week and narrated how the meagre allowance from her husband has made life unbearable for her and their children. She explained that with food prices rising daily, the sum is grossly inadequate to cover even the smallest meal, let alone sustain a family.
According to her testimony, she has endured the situation for some time but was forced to approach the court after repeated pleas to her husband for better financial support failed. She said the allowance has left her struggling to provide for the children, sometimes depending on neighbours or relatives for assistance.
The distressed woman argued that her husband’s neglect amounts to abandonment of responsibility and sought the court’s intervention to ensure proper welfare for the family. She insisted that her husband earns enough to provide more but has deliberately chosen not to do so, leaving her with the burden of survival in an already harsh economic climate.
Observers note that the case has drawn public attention because of the contrast between the paltry sum mentioned and the current cost of living in Nigeria. With basic food items such as rice, bread, and vegetables now costing hundreds or thousands of naira, the woman’s claim underlines the growing economic strain affecting many families nationwide.
Legal experts say the matter highlights the role of family courts in enforcing the duty of care owed by spouses, especially in situations where children are directly affected. In many similar cases, courts have ordered erring partners to provide stipulated financial support or face legal penalties for neglect.
The incident also adds to wider debates on how economic hardship is fueling tensions in households, sometimes resulting in disputes that end up in court or even escalate into domestic violence. Women’s rights advocates argue that many women, particularly in low-income households, bear the brunt of financial neglect and often suffer in silence due to cultural pressures.
The court is expected to review the woman’s claims, assess her husband’s financial capacity, and issue directives to ensure the welfare of the children is prioritized. The case continues.
