POWER, PRIDE AND POVERTY: THE PSYCHOLOGY BEHIND HELP IN NIGERIA.

 

1. Cultural Power Dynamics

In many traditional African societies (including Nigeria), wealth often equates to status, and status must be “respected”. Helping someone without them showing humility (or even subservience) can feel to some wealthy individuals like a loss of control or a challenge to their position.

This mindset isn’t just about giving—it’s about reinforcing hierarchy.   

 

 

2. “Gatekeeping” Mentality

Some rich individuals develop a “gatekeeper” attitude, believing that people must “earn” the right to be helped. This leads them to:

• Test loyalty

• Demand praise or emotional submission

• Want people to “pay their dues” by humbling themselves

 

 

3. Projection of Their Own Journey

A lot of wealthy Nigerians struggled on their way up, often without support. As a result, they may subconsciously believe that others must also suffer, beg, or grovel to be “deserving” of success or help.

“No one helped me, so why should I help you easily?”

This mindset, unfortunately, becomes a toxic cycle of gatekeeping poverty.

 

 

4. Religious & Superstitious Beliefs

Some believe helping the “wrong person” can bring spiritual harm or block their blessings. So, they wait for signs of total humility as a form of spiritual vetting—believing that someone truly humble is “safe” to help.

 

 

5. Fear of Entitlement Culture

Many wealthy people are bombarded with requests. Over time, they develop emotional walls. Some think that unless you really show need or submission, you might be:

• Entitled

• Ungrateful

• Untrustworthy

So, they create emotional “tests” that look like making people beg or suffer before helping.

 

 

6. Lack of Mentorship Culture

Unlike Western or more structured societies, Nigeria lacks a widespread mentorship culture where helping others is normalized. Instead, assistance is often seen as a favor, not a responsibility—so you must “qualify” by begging, praising, or submitting.