Why Nigeria's "Black Tax" is a symptom of a deeper social malaise

Dear reader, happy New Year. I hope you had a restful holiday and crossover. Somehow, given what our country is going through, from the killings in the Middle Belt, to the rising tribalism, to the economy, things probably looked tough. Like many in my circle, I have seen a sharp rise in people asking me for help, and to be honest, I need help myself as well. Things are that tough. Here is hoping that the worst of 2024 will be better than the best of 2023.

What prompted me to write this is the difference in the manner in which some of the people who asked me for holiday help made their requests. They fell into two broad groups, some were quite polite, and others were quite abrasive. Or entitled. There was one particular chap who clearly felt that just by asking, I had to drop whatever else I had planned and wire him cash, and this is dedicated to him, and people like him.

In Nigeria, Black Tax reflects a distorted social contract, shifting responsibilities from institutions to individuals unsustainably.

In a recent interview, John Mikel Obi, the former captain of the Nigerian Super Eagles, discussed various aspects of his football career, including his time at Chelsea, a thwarted transfer to Manchester United, and his experiences playing for the Nigerian senior national team. Mikel’s discourse on the “black tax” phenomenon resonated deeply with a cross-section of the Nigerian middle class and has ignited a debate.

The term “black tax” originated in South Africa, denoting the financial support Black professionals and higher-income individuals provide to their parents, siblings and other family members. A deep-seated sense of responsibility towards familial obligations often drives this financial assistance. Mikel Obi, drawing from his personal experiences and those of fellow Nigerian footballers, vividly portrayed the considerable mental and financial strain imposed on those paying the ‘black tax.’

Mikel Obi outlined challenges tied to black tax, emphasising the struggle between personal ambitions and meeting financial demands marked by entitlement. He highlighted instances where unknown extended family members exploited familial ties for personal gain, even resorting to threats when denied. Mikel explained how some relatives assumed their lives were secure due to their association, designating him as the caretaker for their large families. His experience parallels that of French footballer Paul Pogba, whose family’s greed led to legal troubles.

Mikel Obi’s interview highlighted entitlement, where individuals expect special treatment without merit. Rooted in a lack of empathy and appreciation for others’ efforts, this concept often stems from an unwillingness to recognize the emotional toll of financial demands. Mikel emphasised the perpetuation of entitlement through reluctance to admit vulnerability, driven by a desire for superiority. Understanding underlying emotions like shame and vulnerability unveils insights into entitled behaviour, originating from a refusal to acknowledge the need for assistance.