BusinessDay
Folake Balogun
November 13, 2025
Black Tax, which is referred to as family support obligations, is having an impact on the financial lives of Nigerians in the UK diaspora, a recent report from OhentPay reveals.
The remittance platform’s 2025 UK–Nigeria Remittance Report, based on a survey of 655 Nigerians in the UK, offers a data-driven look at who is sending money, how much, and the personal cost involved.
The OhentPay report noted that the Nigerian diaspora’s relationship with Black Tax is evolving, revealing a complex intersection of culture, income, and enduring family obligation.
The report revealed that there is financial and personal cost as the expectation of support significantly impacts the senders’ financial planning and major life decisions.
“28 percent of respondents admitted that family support directly limits their ability to save or invest,” the report stated.
It stated that 15 percent have postponed major life events such as buying a home, getting married, or starting a business because family obligations take financial priority.
There are gender dynamics as women were found to be slightly more likely than men to support extended family members, reflecting traditional caregiving roles.
Data from the report reveals that financial strain increases with income. “Nigerians earning above £125,000 annually are significantly more likely to send over £1,000 per month than other income groups.”
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The report suggested a paradox where greater earnings lead to greater expectations, creating a seemingly endless commitment.
The study reveals that the youngest demographic shoulders the highest proportional burden:
“54 percent of respondents aged 18 to 28; many of whom are recent graduates in entry-level jobs send between 10 percent and 50 percent of their income back home.
In contrast, most Nigerians aged 29 to 60 typically send less than 10 percent of their income, as they balance UK-based responsibilities like mortgages and childcare with continuing support back home.
The report highlights deep-rooted cultural patterns, showing that 51.4 percent of all large transfers are sent to mothers, making them the primary recipients of financial support.
Siblings follow at 12.9 percent, with fathers and extended family receiving smaller shares. This pattern holds true even for smaller transfers under £100.
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