Toke Makinwa sparks debate: Relationships between men, women have always been transactional

Nollywood actress and media personality, Toke Makinwa, has shared her perspective on transactional relationships, arguing that the exchange of benefits between men and women is not a new phenomenon.

Speaking during a recent episode of the MENtality Podcast, hosted by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Makinwa dismissed the notion that modern Nigerian women are solely responsible for making relationships financially driven. According to her, transactional dynamics have existed across generations.

“From time immemorial, a relationship between a man and a woman has always been transactional, right from the Garden of Eden, right from our parents’ days. And the degree at which it is happening now, I will blame the men. Sometimes, that [financial benefits] is all men have to offer,” she said.

Makinwa maintained that many Nigerian women are often labelled as materialistic because some men choose to lead with money rather than build genuine emotional connections.

She further argued that some men rely heavily on their financial status because they lack other qualities needed to attract and sustain meaningful relationships.

“Nigerian men don’t have game aside from money. Once a Nigerian man makes money, he starts throwing it at the hottest girls. Sometimes, you meet a man and you want to know him, but he is offering you money,” she stated.

The media personality also claimed that the experiences many women have had with men have influenced their expectations in relationships.

“Men have offered women the strangest things, and it made me realise that men feel cash is all they need to show you. Most girls who are materialistic today, men taught them how to make demands,” Makinwa added.

Her comments have since generated discussions on social media, with many Nigerians expressing differing opinions on the role of money and emotional connection in modern relationships.