Nigeria’s love for Lamborghinis: The luxury, the scrutiny, and the hidden costs

Social media is ablaze with images of newly acquired Lamborghinis, but behind the glamour lies a costly reality. When former Big Brother Naija winner Mercy Eke unveiled her orange-and-black Lamborghini Urus, reportedly worth ₦340 million ($390,000), fans were thrilled. Yet, whispers of skepticism quickly followed. How can celebrities afford such luxury, especially in an economy where the average Nigerian earns less than ₦100,000 ($115) per month?

“I work hard, and I spoil myself accordingly,” Mercy wrote, brushing off the criticism. But as more socialites join the supercar trend, public debates about wealth, social influence, and financial responsibility intensify.

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The socialite vs. The superstar

Socialite Sophia Egbueje also made headlines when she showcased her Lamborghini amid a public spat with Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy. Sophia had accused Burna Boy of promising her the luxury SUV but failing to deliver. Days later, she posted: “My baby is here.”

While some celebrated her financial independence, others questioned her ability to afford a vehicle with maintenance costs running into millions of naira annually.

“The real cost of owning a Lamborghini is not just the purchase price,” says Ayo Adekunle, an auto expert in Lagos. “Routine servicing alone can cost over ₦10 million ($11,500) a year, and let’s not talk about insurance and fuel.”

The reality of supercar ownership

Owning a Lamborghini in Nigeria is more than a status symbol; it is also a financial commitment. The Urus, with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, drinks fuel at 12 mpg (19.6 L/100 km). A full tank costs nearly ₦100,000 ($115), and at Lagos traffic speeds, it empties fast.

The financial strain isn’t unique to Nigeria. In the U.S., Michael Mejia, who won a Lamborghini Urus from Shakira, struggled with its $2,000 monthly insurance and rising fuel costs. Despite receiving $90,000 for maintenance, he put the car up for sale, calling it a “money pit.”

Luxury or liability?

While celebrities and influencers continue to dazzle with supercars, the real conversation is about financial sustainability. “It’s not just about buying a Lambo,” says financial analyst Tolu Adebayo. “It’s about whether you can comfortably maintain it without it crippling your finances.”

The debate over luxury in Nigeria is not going away anytime soon. While the Lamborghini Urus remains a dream car for many, the reality is clear: owning one is easy, maintaining it is another story.