Cheating Is More Common Than You Think – Zikoko Love Report

Zikoko has released its first-ever State of Love Report, a nationwide study exploring how Nigerians experience love, dating, sex and marriage today. Drawing on responses from more than 10,000 Nigerians, the report uncovers striking insights into infidelity, relationship definitions, marriage dynamics and the impact of the economy on romantic life. According to Daniel Orubo, Editor-In-Chief […]

Zikoko has released its first-ever State of Love Report, a nationwide study exploring how Nigerians experience love, dating, sex and marriage today.

Drawing on responses from more than 10,000 Nigerians, the report uncovers striking insights into infidelity, relationship definitions, marriage dynamics and the impact of the economy on romantic life.

According to Daniel Orubo, Editor-In-Chief at Zikoko, “At Zikoko, we’ve always been curious about how Nigerians navigate life, from money to culture to love. The inaugural State of Love Report, done in collaboration with TechCabal Insights, is our way of digging deeper into how the realities of modern life in Nigeria are reshaping dating, commitment, and partnership.”

1 in 2 Nigerians Admit to Cheating

According to the report, 50% of Nigerians surveyed admitted to cheating on a partner at least once, while 59% said they had been cheated on. The gap between these figures suggests that Nigerians may be more forthcoming about being betrayed than about betraying others.

However, the report shows that infidelity often unfolds in complicated and emotionally layered ways, rather than through premeditated intent.

One respondent, Priscilla, a 29-year-old from Abuja, shared her experience:

“I got carried away and had sex with someone during NYSC camp. I immediately felt bad and was going to tell my boyfriend. Then I found out he’d also been keeping himself busy with a ‘friend’ while I was away.”

In cases like Priscilla’s, both partners engaged in infidelity simultaneously without knowing the other had done the same. The report highlights how betrayal and retaliation can overlap, raising questions about communication, expectations and emotional accountability in modern Nigerian relationships.

While men reported slightly higher rates of repeated infidelity, the gender gap was narrow. 12% of men admitted to cheating more than once, compared to 10% of women.

Undefined Relationships May Be Fueling Infidelity

One of the most significant findings of the report is that 62% of Nigerian daters are in relationships with no clearly defined label. Situationships, casual arrangements and open dynamics are increasingly common. Without clear agreements or expectations, respondents reported that boundaries become fluid, making it easier to justify or overlook infidelity.

Regional Differences Are Significant

The report also highlights stark geographical contrasts in attitudes toward fidelity.

● Katsina recorded the highest infidelity rate in the survey, with 9 in 10 respondents admitting to cheating at least once.
● Kaduna reported the highest rate of fidelity, with 8 in 10 respondents stating they had never cheated.
● Benue, Jigawa and Gombe also showed elevated infidelity rates.
These findings suggest that regional culture and social norms may influence how Nigerians approach faithfulness in relationships.

Marriage, Money and Modern Values

Beyond infidelity, the State of Love Report reveals deeper tensions within Nigerian romantic life:

● 4 in 10 married Nigerians admit to experiencing regret at some point in their marriage.
● 6 in 10 say they are resistant to divorce, even when the relationship is not working.
● 8 in 10 Nigerians report that financial pressure has negatively affected their love life.
● Nearly 7 in 10 Nigerians believe premarital sex is acceptable, with women slightly more open to it than men.
Together, these insights paint a nuanced picture of a country negotiating tradition, economic realities and evolving relationship norms.

The full State of Love Report is available online.