How to avoid billing in Nigeria

We have all encountered a situation when a close friend or family member is in financial difficulty and requests us to gift them money. In Nigeria, this is known as billing, which is one of the greatest dreads of any individual, especially men. How, then, may one avoid billing in Nigeria?

This post is not generic, but it might be helpful in situations when we know that a friend, family member, or girlfriend who requests "urgent 2k" will be unable to repay it.

When it comes to billing by relatives or friends in Nigeria, it is often quite tough to say no, particularly if you see them in a poor financial state. However, giving money to persons who constantly need "urgent 2k" and whose personal finances are often in a precarious state might lead you to experience similar difficulties.

In Nigeria, empathy makes it more difficult to deny the requested billing; nonetheless, we frequently consent without considering the potential ramifications.

We are not just discussing the negative financial repercussions but also the possibility of losing friends, family, and acquaintances since money issues often result in intense interpersonal disputes.

Truth be said, it is difficult to say no to someone in need when they knock on our inbox and beg for a loan. But to avoid billing in Nigeria, you must have a very cool demeanour and a clear brain.

In most instances, we are aware that we will have issues with the buddy or the person billing us from the outset. Yet, we nonetheless agree to the request to preserve the connection or relationship.

The reality is that billing in Nigeria is a complicated topic that must be addressed, analysed, and carefully considered. Remember that the majority of disputes with friends and family involve money.

Utilise the following productive strategies to avoid billing in Nigeria:

1. Teach them to make money

Why provide fish when they can be taught to fish? The most effective approach to avoiding billing in Nigeria is to demonstrate profitable routes to the biller by teaching them how to make money.

If the biller lacks funding, show them the businesses to start with 5k in Nigeria; if they are experiencing an unexpected economic downturn, show them ways to earn money online in Nigeria.

This method not only helps you avoid billing in Nigeria but also earns you the everlasting esteem of the biller, thereby slaying two birds with one stone.

2. Don't gift money to anyone

Regardless of your connection with the biller or the amount of money at risk, the second-most effective strategy to avoid billing in Nigeria is never to gift money to anybody. Not friends, relatives, or acquaintances. Thus, it will be a "personal policy," and nobody will be offended.

3. Offer alternate assistance

"I do not have any money at the moment, but I may be able to assist you in another way."

When you decline to offer money but are prepared to listen to what the other person is going through and see if you can assist them in other ways, the family or friendship tie is built rather than shattered, and you avoid getting billed in Nigeria.

In addition, it might be freeing to tell someone about your concerns without expecting an instant financial favour.

4. Be explicit and concise

First and foremost, you must be clear and concise.

Although there is an emotional connection with the individual requesting money, it must be made clear that you may only lend money, not give it away, and that it must be repaid promptly. Many are reluctant to be so forthright, even though this is the key to avoiding billing in Nigeria.

5. Reverse the table

When someone in Nigeria bills you, you might explain that you are also in a similar economic condition and are requesting a loan to level the playing field. This method always works in avoiding billing in Nigeria. 

6. Money may harm our relationship

If you convince the biller that money might ruin your relationship, the other party will recognise that you care about them and value their friendship above money.

Once the individual realises that you cannot give them money to prevent a future conflict, you have successfully implemented a strategy to avoid billing in Nigeria. In addition, you will be able to distinguish between your actual pals and leeches.

7. Demand interest

The cost of borrowing money is the interest rate. Inadvertently, lending without charging interest is similar to giving something free.

In addition, the high inflation rate our society has unhappily become accustomed to makes an interest-free loan the simplest way to lose buying power.

In Nigeria, the simplest approach to avoid billing is to demand interest, which implies that you are essentially a loan application. This is an enormous barrier for people who would bill you since they realise you are not a charity.

8. Only gift what you can afford to lose

On the other hand, one should only risk what they are prepared to lose. In the worst-case scenario, the borrower cannot repay the loan, and the lender loses all of the cash.

Therefore, if urgent 2k is not a risky investment, you may freely release these funds, as they do not count as billing.