Black Tax and Mental Health: The Unspoken Burden on Young Nigerians

Black tax, mental health

If you’ve ever argued over weekend chores and felt like the main character in Kemi Adetiba’s How to Kill a Monkey dodging moral traps, juggling family drama, and trying not to fall into cyber-fraud chaos, welcome to Black Tax: the Nollywood version.

Just like Efe in the series, many young Nigerians find themselves packed into a survival plotline that demands everything: “You made money? Now transfer. Got savings? Share it.” And all while keeping your conscience (and sanity) intact.

Black Tax is not a government levy. It’s the extra slice of your income that “magically” disappears every month into school fees, medical bills, rent, or “urgent 2k” requests. It is rooted in African collectivist culture, where family and community bonds are deeply valued. In Nigeria, supporting relatives is not just seen as generosity; it’s a duty.

Rent for a sibling, school fees for cousins, hospital bills for a parent, and emergency transfers to “just hold body” until the month-end.

While rooted in love, duty, and cultural values of collectivism, the constant pressure can silently chip away at mental health. Research has shown that in collectivist societies, family support is tied to identity, belonging, and social status (Edeh et al., 2022). But when expectations exceed financial capacity, the result can be emotional exhaustion, anxiety, and burnout.

What Is Black Tax in the Nigerian Context?

Black Tax isn’t just about money; it’s about expectations. In Nigeria, where unemployment rates are high and social safety nets are weak, the family often becomes the first and only safety net.

When one member “makes it,” they are seen as an individual and a lifeline. This role is rarely optional. In some cases, refusal or inability to provide can result in strained relationships, guilt, or even being labelled as selfish.

A study on the financial burden of caregiving in Nigeria found that economic strain is directly linked to psychological distress, especially among young adults who are just starting their careers (Onyishi et al., 2019). This is because:

  • There is constant pressure to earn more, not for personal growth, but to meet family demands.

  • Saying “no” often triggers guilt and even social backlash.

  • Your personal goals, savings, travel, and further education can be indefinitely postponed.

Over time, this creates chronic stress, which research shows is a risk factor for depression, anxiety, and even physical health problems (World Health Organisation Nigeria Report, 2022).

How Black Tax Impacts Mental Health

  1. Chronic Stress and Anxiety
    Constant financial demands create a persistent sense of tension, especially when income barely covers personal expenses. This stress isn’t just mental; it affects the body, leading to sleep disruptions, headaches, and even weakened immunity

  2. Guilt and Shame
    When requests can’t be met, many young Nigerians experience guilt even when saying “no” is necessary for their survival. Some also carry shame if they prioritise personal goals, such as saving for a home, over immediate family needs.

  3. Depression and Emotional Exhaustion
    Feeling trapped between personal aspirations and family obligations can lead to hopelessness. Over time, the emotional load of being “the provider” can result in burnout and depressive symptoms.

  4. Financial Insecurity Despite Earnings
    Ironically, some high earners remain financially unstable because of unplanned family obligations. This creates a cycle where they can’t build generational wealth for their children, perpetuating the very struggles they are trying to end.

Why It’s Hard to Talk About Black Tax

  1. Cultural Duty vs. Personal Well-being
    In Nigerian society, collectivism is a moral anchor. Providing for family is seen not as a choice but as a marker of character and success.

  2. Fear of Judgement
    Speaking up about financial strain may lead to accusations of ingratitude or selfishness, making many suffer in silence.

  3. Religious and Moral Expectations
    Faith communities often encourage generosity, sometimes without acknowledging the mental toll of constant giving.

Finding Balance: Strategies for Managing Black Tax Without Losing Yourself

  1. Budget with Boundaries
    Create a “family support” category in your budget. Once it’s exhausted for the month, be firm in saying no without guilt.

  2. Communicate Early and Honestly
    Instead of waiting for crises, have open conversations with family about your financial limits and personal goals.

  3. Seek Emotional Support
    Talking to friends, support groups, or a therapist can help process feelings of guilt, pressure, and resentment.

  4. Prioritise Your Financial Growth
    Invest in your own education, savings, and emergency fund before committing to large recurring family expenses.

  5. Use Collective Solutions
    Encourage shared responsibility. For example, create a family contribution plan so that the burden doesn’t fall solely on one person.

Conclusion: Love Shouldn’t Lead to Burnout

Black Tax, at its heart, is born from love, loyalty, and cultural responsibility. But love becomes heavy when it is carried alone, in silence, and without boundaries.

For young Nigerians, breaking the cycle doesn’t mean abandoning family, it means finding ways to support without self-destruction. This requires courage: to have hard conversations, to say no when necessary, and to prioritise mental well-being alongside generosity.

At Ndidi, we believe that supporting others is most sustainable when you are not running on empty. The goal is not to choose between self-care and care for others, but to create a balance where both can thrive.

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