₦airaland Forum

Esthered:
How did they react to you saying "no"?

Thanks for your response.

The usual response is psychological bullying and trying to diminish the social capital of the giver. For instance you will notice those that used to call you UNCLE or AUNTIE will start calling you by first name. You may hear rumors of how you used juju to siphon wealth from poorer relatives. When you travel to the village young relatives will no longer run up to carry your bags. Basic blackmail.

Good Luck to Nigerians.

Only people who want to be pressured will be pressured. I used to care, but not anymore. Most of these parents, uncles, aunties, sisters that are now burdening their sons, daughters, siblings etc. are the architect of their own misfortune when they stupidly believe that they were carrying out God's instructions of "be fruitful and multiply".

In today’s economy, it takes an average of 20 million Naira to raise a child from infancy to 25 years. Yet you will see most poor families giving birth to three, four, five or more. Tell them about family planning, they will say their culture or religious belief forbids it. Talk to them about adoption, they will start looking at you like you are Adolf Hitler or Mussolini. We can pretend or try to shift blame all we want but this is the foundation of generational poverty in Africa.

Imagine having just two kids instead of four or five. The 20 million Naira average cost of raising one child, imagine just 5 million of that saved somewhere, or even investing it on behalf of your two kids. Like I always maintain, most Africans have no business with poverty only if they jettison their inclination to stupid traditional and religious idealogies and choose to be more rational and intentional about their lives.

There is nothing like BLACK TAX, nobody is forcing you to anything for anybody,you are free to live by yourself and cater to no one when you start earning,na everything una must get name for,you self-centered human being,na people like una when dey talk like this benefit well well from family, extended family and friends when you where earning nothing o,but as soon as small one million or 10 million enter una possession,una self-centered behavior go kick in.

pray for Gods blessing and work hard. We all support each other to grow. if you have money and you don't want to support your people no wahala remember tomorrow get belle.

Same black tax that helped build many successful people is now being condemned. This same black tax applies in India, Bangladesh, South Africa etc and their societies have thriven because the system does it's part, here in Nigeria, the system that we all labor and serve does nothing but takes a large chunk of your earnings, giving back to your family that built you is no tax, the black tax is actually in the government that fails to support the society but rather,the society works for them

I have discussed with two female friends, and they said I am lucky I don't pay the Black Tax. Honestly, I am very lucky I don't pay it. Well, I believe it is my reward for cautioning my mom against having another child fifteen years ago. Maybe these elder ones should have done the same. Talk to your parents about having more children.

Have a few children (two maximum). Nothing beats that.

Black tax has really hindered the progress of a lot of young persons. Most young persons are busy sorting the bills of parents, siblings and extended family members without any concrete plan or step towards self development which would have eventually given them the opportunity to earn more money.

In my situation, i was very lucky because my parents and siblings never had any financial expectation from until when i have been working for almost 10years, this window gave me the opportunity to lay solid foundation for my life and my immediate family. Today, i have the financial strength to render multiple assistance to friends, siblings , cousins and give lavishly to my parents without affecting my personal financial needs.

We should allow young people to invest their initial earnings in self development, if we could refrain from overburdening them with financial request, there is a high possibility that they would be able to earn better in no distant time which would put them in a better position to offer financial assistance to their relatives, friends and dependents.

Shalom.

youngrichnigga:
Same black tax that helped build many successful people is now being condemned. This same black tax applies in India, Bangladesh, South Africa etc and their societies have thriven because the system does it's part, here in Nigeria, the system that we all labor and serve does nothing but takes a large chunk of your earnings, giving back to your family that built you is no tax, the black tax is actually in the government that fails to support the society but rather,the society works for them

Resources are scarcer these days with few people carting or hoarding them. For these reasons, young people should know that the best way to maximise these fewer resources and opportunities is by having fewer children.

Yes, the government is bad and everyone knows it. So, why worsen things after knowing the government is bad? Is the government in control of an individual's preek and vagina?

brain54:
Black tax, there is a term for everything nowadays...

I think most of our old ways of doing things shouldn't be eroded completely in the race to become Westernised rather modifications should be applied where applicable and necessary. I have a lot of things to say about the Chinese and sticking to and modifying their traditional ways of doing things and how well it has worked for them. A country or continent that throws away it's cultural identity and original ideology in embrace of foreign cultural norms hardly progresses!

On this topic, the Chinese you praise have max two children. The solution to Black Tax is to have few children. The economy is tough. Jobs are scarcer and highly competitive. Bill Gates did not become a prominent philanthropist BEFORE he got wealthy; it was AFTER he became SO wealthy.

missionmex:
Why associating bad things with black. Why not say redtax or whitetax why must bad things be associated with black?

Black tax originated from Black South Africans who sent money to their relatives in the villages.

Walai:
If sending 20k to your mother is the reason why you couldn't break generational poverty then you are not serious.
Tell Nigerian youths to be productive and stop Yahoo, hookup, miracle money and gambling.
All serious countries broke free from poverty when their youths embraced industrialization and productivity.

Access to cheap credit and power supply are reasons why industrialisation is low in Nigeria. Industrialisation needs access to patient and cheap capital.

Dpsychologist:
Let’s be brutally honest — Black Tax is slavery dressed up as culture.

For those unfamiliar, Black Tax is the cultural expectation that once you start earning, your salary belongs not just to you, but to your parents, siblings, cousins — sometimes even uncles and aunties.
Sounds noble, right? But here’s the hard truth:

Many people in their 20s and 30s especially firstborns are stuck living like they’re still broke, not because they don’t earn, but because their family’s demands never end.
Everywhere in Africa, once you start earning, you’re automatically turned into the family’s ATM especially when not born with a silver spoon . It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting out, if your salary is small, or if you’re struggling yourself — the moment you collect that paycheck, you owe everybody.

They call it “responsibility.” But let’s tell the truth:

It’s financial exploitation.

It’s entitlement disguised as love.

It’s one of the biggest reasons young Africans will NEVER break generational poverty.

The Trap

A graduate earns ₦70k.

₦20k to mum.

₦15k to dad.

₦10k to sibling.

Another cousin calls for school fees.

Uncle calls for “urgent 5k.”

At the end of the month, guess what’s left? Zero.
No savings. No investment. No future. Just endless poverty cycle.

And when you dare say “No,” you’re suddenly the wicked, ungrateful child.

The Irony

Here’s the painful part:

The same parents who drained their kids often never saved or invested when they were young.
They now dump the responsibility of their own financial failure on their children.

Instead of empowering the next generation, they enslave them with guilt.

And let’s be real — how many families use this money wisely?
At times, it goes into wasteful spending while the “breadwinner” suffers in silence.

The Hard Truth Nobody Wants to Hear

If African youth keep paying endless Black Tax, nobody will ever be rich.
One person cannot save a whole clan. Period.

👉 A child’s duty is not to fund laziness, poor planning, or entitlement.
👉 If you destroy your own financial future to please family, you will just create another generation of broke people.

The Conversation We Need

Should young Africans build themselves first before carrying family on their back?

Is saying “NO” selfish, or the only way to break free?

At what point does “support” turn into slavery?

Until we face the truth, Black Tax will keep Africa chained to poverty.

What’s your take?
Are we ready to break this culture, or are we too afraid of being called “selfish”?

Black Tax Negativity only exist on " iDEOLOGY ... givers never lack 100%
the truth is almost people looking to you for help will always be under you why you continue to excel the thought of failing them is enough to keep you on your toes.

Look around every family that one person helping .. remains richer year in year out .. my father raised is siblings children,paid 7children school fee plus his own kids ... that didnt stop him from building a house or changing cars till he died

People forming over educated, using grammar to sugar coat there stingyness weytin dem achieve ... don jazz , david, mr banks are all givers they pay black tax joyfully now bring out that stingy man you know richer than this people
ordinary portable as transformed is family, is broke now or naa house e no see build

if God is blessing your hustle, black tax no fit run you nada, carry your stingy mind with full chest leave story

What I can say about this black tax thing is this, helping your parents is non-negotiable. Infact you are placing a curse on yourself when you have but refused to help your parents. They represent God in your life, they birthed you, they sacrificed for you, so you owe them your life and all you have please. However, if they are still strong to do something by themselves, you can set up a business for them, otherwise, be ready to ensure that every month you pay in something into a savings account designated for their welfare.

As for siblings, if you are buoyant enough, give them money to start up a business so that they can earn for themselves and stop depending on you. If you are not, help them in getting a job and encourage them to take up any decent job that can help them earn for themselves instead of depending on you. They can take up teaching, sales job, and even learn tech skills that will help them. If they are not willing but want to keep leeching on you, then stop giving them money. I personally dislike lazy and entitled siblings.

As for relatives, wisdom is profitable to direct but use church mind and help where you can but know that you don't relatives anything except those who contributed significantly to you and your immediate family.

Lastly, we pray for the cycle of poverty to be destroyed that we and our families should enjoy financial abundance by God's mercy and grace.

chidiokay:
Black Tax Negativity only exist on " iDEOLOGY ... givers never lack 100%
the truth is almost people looking to you for help will always be under you why you continue to excel the thought of failing them is enough to keep you on your toes.

Look around every family that one person helping .. remains richer year in year out .. my father raised is siblings children,paid 7children school fee plus his own kids ... that didnt stop him from building a house or changing cars till he died

People forming over educated, using grammar to sugar coat there stingyness weytin dem achieve ... don jazz , david, mr banks are all givers they pay black tax joyfully now bring out that stingy man you know richer than this people
ordinary portable as transformed is family, is broke now or naa house e no see build

if God is blessing your hustle, black tax no fit run you nada, carry your stingy mind with full chest leave story

While you are here trying to make a point but u missed the whole point of this post. Infact i doubt you read and understand the post.

it depends on the financial situation of the family and the financial capability of the breadwinner or siblings.

There is nothing wrong with helping ur family if u have the means. There is a reward and blessings for it even tho sometimes some are ungrateful.

Walai:
If sending 20k to your mother is the reason why you couldn't break generational poverty then you are not serious.
Tell Nigerian youths to be productive and stop Yahoo, hookup, miracle money and gambling.
All serious countries broke free from poverty when their youths embraced industrialization and productivity.

Stay on the topic and counter the points not deviating abd talking about vices like yahoo, hookup and the rest.

Just make sure you determine the percentage of your earnings that must be saved monthly and make sure you save that part then you can share the remaining part for the other things. The secret is if you earn 50k save 20k and see it that you earn 30k, your life and everybody's demand will adjust to fit 30k. My saving scheme deducts 32% of my salary from source and I try to save another 15% on my own. Everything has to fit into the remaining

Chop alone,die alone. What you see as black tax in some cases is the difference between life and death, that request for urgent 2k might be the difference between hunger and starvation. In as much as you can't kill yourself for anybody, try and help as much as you can. If you have never received any help or assistance from family in your life, you can afford to not to pay black tax

brain54:
Black tax, there is a term for everything nowadays...


Anyways, I think it has it's origin from our (African) cultural background from communal lifestyle.

I don't think it's necessarily a bad concept. As it's mostly the excess earned that is used to cater for family. Where it becomes a burden is when one begins to struggle to meet such responsibilities.

Many Africans have embraced the western concept of "me, myself and I" but originally we had our communal way of living where everyone looked after each other.

I think most of our old ways of doing things shouldn't be eroded completely in the race to become Westernised rather modifications should be applied where applicable and necessary.


I have a lot of things to say about the Chinese and sticking to and modifying their traditional ways of doing things and how well it has worked for them.

A country or continent that throws away it's cultural identity and original ideology in embrace of foreign cultural norms hardly progresses!

I am glad we still have sensible people like you in this country. Individualism is something that is completely alien to us. We are Africans and not Europeans. An oyinbo boy can just pick a girl and marry without any consent from either parents, can you do same? Don't live a first world life in a third world country, you will fail woefully. When your house is on fire in Nigeria, it is not the fire service that will come to put it out, it is your neighbour. When thieves attack your house and you scream "thieves", before the police arrive, your neighbours might have finished the job. My mum once told me about a highly placed civil servant who was very influencial but never helped anyone asides his children. The day he died and his corpse was brought home, the youths were called to dig the grave🤣 they said his children whom he lived for should go and dog his grave or alternatively they will bargain for the job and be paid well before they dig. What started like a joke became a very serious issue. The old men and clergies in the village had to come together and beg before the grave was dug. During the funeral service, the elders warned, that if you are a person of influence and you snub the youth in the community, know it that that will be the last time they will make that kind of plea for anyone, if you can't assist the youths either with jobs or in some other way and you keep ranting "nobody owes you anything", you better arrange to be buried in the city and never ever go to them looking for any kind of favour.

Dpsychologist:
Let’s be brutally honest — Black Tax is slavery dressed up as culture.

For those unfamiliar, Black Tax is the cultural expectation that once you start earning, your salary belongs not just to you, but to your parents, siblings, cousins — sometimes even uncles and aunties.
Sounds noble, right? But here’s the hard truth:

Many people in their 20s and 30s especially firstborns are stuck living like they’re still broke, not because they don’t earn, but because their family’s demands never end.
Everywhere in Africa, once you start earning, you’re automatically turned into the family’s ATM especially when not born with a silver spoon . It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting out, if your salary is small, or if you’re struggling yourself — the moment you collect that paycheck, you owe everybody.

They call it “responsibility.” But let’s tell the truth:

It’s financial exploitation.

It’s entitlement disguised as love.

It’s one of the biggest reasons young Africans will NEVER break generational poverty.

The Trap

A graduate earns ₦70k.

₦20k to mum.

₦15k to dad.

₦10k to sibling.

Another cousin calls for school fees.

Uncle calls for “urgent 5k.”

At the end of the month, guess what’s left? Zero.
No savings. No investment. No future. Just endless poverty cycle.

And when you dare say “No,” you’re suddenly the wicked, ungrateful child.

The Irony

Here’s the painful part:

The same parents who drained their kids often never saved or invested when they were young.
They now dump the responsibility of their own financial failure on their children.

Instead of empowering the next generation, they enslave them with guilt.

And let’s be real — how many families use this money wisely?
At times, it goes into wasteful spending while the “breadwinner” suffers in silence.

The Hard Truth Nobody Wants to Hear

If African youth keep paying endless Black Tax, nobody will ever be rich.
One person cannot save a whole clan. Period.

👉 A child’s duty is not to fund laziness, poor planning, or entitlement.
👉 If you destroy your own financial future to please family, you will just create another generation of broke people.

The Conversation We Need

Should young Africans build themselves first before carrying family on their back?

Is saying “NO” selfish, or the only way to break free?

At what point does “support” turn into slavery?

Until we face the truth, Black Tax will keep Africa chained to poverty.

What’s your take?
Are we ready to break this culture, or are we too afraid of being called “selfish”?

Which "African Culture" practises this Who gave it the name "Black Tax" also

You need to go on facebook and search for nurse glory page . That lady is an eye opener for those who are still doing Black tax.
The family is only happy because of that tax they keep collecting from you, once you become broke , they would turn to that jealous and bitter younger sister like cookievlog on facebook .
Save money for your life and invest in your future.

HowDareU:
➜Black tax is synonymous with our culture.
➜Our culture encourages us to assist family: both nuclear and extended. Even you that earn a lot will need family either for moral support or marital advice.

It is synonymous with your culture, which has yet to show it is of benefit to its people and the society as a whole?

2. Your culture encourages you to assist family and friends at your own detriment? Or am I the only one who kind of got the issue that OP as trying to highlight?

Gerrard59:
Access to cheap credit and power supply are reasons why industrialisation is low in Nigeria. Industrialisation needs access to patient and cheap capital.

Tinubu has fixed power supply issues at least for urban areas

Suicideboy:
➜Tinubu has fixed power supply issues at least for urban areas

How did he do that?

Kobojunkie:
How did he do that?

Jamb question

Ask people in nigeria

Suicideboy:
➜Jamb question Ask people in nigeria

What people in Nigeria do I need to ask this? I hope not the same people who complain of PHCN not giving them electricity for many hours each week?

Your post hit me in a personal way, I'm currently in this situation...

writeprof:
Which "African Culture" practises this Who gave it the name "Black Tax" also

Dey play.
Seems you don't know what's up.

chidiokay:
➜Black Tax Negativity only exist on " iDEOLOGY ... givers never lack 100% the truth is almost people looking to you for help will always be under you why you continue to excel the thought of failing them is enough to keep you on your toes.
➜ Look around every family that one person helping .. remains richer year in year out .. my father raised is siblings children,paid 7children school fee plus his own kids ... that didnt stop him from building a house or changing cars till he died
➜ People forming over educated, using grammar to sugar coat there stingyness weytin dem achieve ... don jazz , david, mr banks are all givers they pay black tax joyfully now bring out that stingy man you know richer than this people ordinary portable as transformed is family, is broke now or naa house e no see build. if God is blessing your hustle, black tax no fit run you nada, carry your stingy mind with full chest leave story

1. Stop telling these apparent lies which do not connect in any way to the reality of things for those who are burdened by these things!

2. There is no truth to this. There are families out there where all members are doing well for themselves, and no one needs these so-called helpers. Why not talk of those and speak of how much healthier that dynamic is compared to families where everyone is mooching off of the one or two people who are barely making ends meet themselves and having to trade their dreams for the sake of keeping this family going?

3. Religion really only produces the most wicked of minds and mentalities!

sammiewrite:
Only people who want to be pressured will be pressured. I used to care, but not anymore. Most of these parents, uncles, aunties, sisters that are now burdening their sons, daughters, siblings etc. are the architect of their own misfortune when they stupidly believe that they were carrying out God's instructions of "be fruitful and multiply".

In today’s economy, it takes an average of 20 million Naira to raise a child from infancy to 25 years. Yet you will see most poor families giving birth to three, four, five or more. Tell them about family planning, they will say their culture or religious belief forbids it. Talk to them about adoption, they will start looking at you like you are Adolf Hitler or Mussolini. We can pretend or try to shift blame all we want but this is the foundation of generational poverty in Africa.

Imagine having just two kids instead of four or five. The 20 million Naira average cost of raising one child, imagine just 5 million of that saved somewhere, or even investing it on behalf of your two kids. Like I always maintain, most Africans have no business with poverty only if they jettison their inclination to stupid traditional and religious idealogies and choose to be more rational and intentional about their lives.

You are making alot of sense, this is the reality alot of Nigerians do not want to understand.