Fresh OhentPay data reveals how Nigerians in the UK earn, spend, and support family back home

The report surveys 655 Nigerians across the UK to examine...

OhentPay, a remittance platform serving Nigerians abroad, has released its 2025 UK–Nigeria Remittance Report, revealing how family support obligations — often called ‘Black tax’ — influence financial planning among Nigerians in the diaspora.

The report surveys 655 Nigerians across the UK to examine the weight of black tax. The findings reveal not only how much people send, but who receives it, what it costs the sender, and how a new generation is beginning to challenge traditional expectations.

According to the report, 51.4 percent of all large transfers go to mothers. Siblings follow at 12.9 percent, with fathers and extended family members receiving smaller shares.

Even for smaller amounts below £100, mothers and siblings remain the primary recipients. Extended family members receive a modestly higher share at this level.

This reflects deep-rooted family patterns in Nigerian culture, where adult children often prioritise their mothers’ wellbeing. However, “comfortable” is a relative term: ongoing household expenses such as generator repairs, medical bills, or school fees frequently increase the need for continued support.

The report also shows that women are slightly more likely than men to support extended family members, including aunts, uncles, and cousins. The gender dynamics of caregiving back home often mirror those seen in diaspora communities, with women assuming a larger share of both emotional and financial responsibility.

The study also found that 28% of respondents said that supporting family in Nigeria directly affects how much they can save or invest, while 15 percent have postponed major life decisions such as buying a home, getting married, or starting a business because family obligations take precedence.

Higher earners report the greatest strain. Among Nigerians earning above £125,000 annually, the proportion sending over £1,000 per month is significantly higher than in other income groups. This creates a paradox: the more people earn, the greater the expectation to sen...