With aso ebi now priced like land in Lekki, banks have introduced “Owambe Credit” for Nigerians determined to celebrate love even if their account balance files for divorce. Analysts warn wedding attendance may soon require collateral, two guarantors and a prayer point.
As the cost of "showing face" at weddings continues to rise faster than inflation, financial institutions across Nigeria have unveiled a new category of personal loans designed specifically for guests who cannot afford to celebrate love without first endangering their own finances.
The new facility, tagged "Owambe Credit", reportedly covers aso ebi, gele tying, makeup, transportation, spray money, professional photography, after-party attendance and the mandatory contribution toward the couple's honeymoon, whether requested or not.
Industry analysts say the average Nigerian wedding guest now spends more preparing for someone else's marriage than they do planning their own future.
"I was invited to four weddings in one month," lamented Lagos resident Tunde Adeyemi while comparing interest rates from three banks. "By the time I bought the aso ebi, booked a ride, changed dollars into crisp notes for spraying and contributed to the bridal train's surprise gift, I realised bankruptcy was the only outfit I hadn't paid for."
Wedding planners have welcomed the innovation, insisting that financial hardship should never interfere with looking expensive on Instagram.
Some banks have gone further by introducing flexible repayment plans tied to future wedding invitations, while fintech companies are reportedly testing a feature that automatically deducts loan repayments every time a user posts "Aww, congratulations!" under an engagement announcement.
Meanwhile, economists have warned that if current trends continue, attending weddings may soon qualify as a luxury investment rather than a social obligation.
At press time, several Nigerians admitted they had quietly declined invitations, claiming they were "out of town," despite being spotted watching the ceremony through Instagram Live from the comfort of homes they could still afford because they stayed away.
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