“If Money Grows On Trees, Girls Would Date Monkeys”: The Wisdom On Nigerian Lorry Tailboard, by Isaac Asabor

In the bustling cities and sprawling highways of Nigeria, it is common to encounter profound, humorous, and sometimes jarring statements on the tailboards of lorries. These inscriptions serve not only as a form of entertainment but also as windows into the collective wisdom, humor, and social commentary of Nigerian drivers. Among the most memorable of these signages is the phrase: “If money grows on trees, girls will date monkeys.” On the surface, it is a witty jab, but it encapsulates the reality of economic pressures, societal expectations, and human relationships in Nigeria. This article delves into the significance of such signage, providing insights into why these inscriptions are a staple on Nigerian roads and why they resonate with so many Nigerians.

Nigeria, with its complex economic landscape, is a place where wealth is highly sought-after but often elusive. The phrase, “If money grows on trees, girls will date monkeys,” speaks directly to a societal observation that wealth can heavily influence personal relationships. The tongue-in-cheek message suggests that in a world where money is easily accessible or readily available (as if growing on trees), people’s motivations might shift, leading them to prioritize wealth over genuine connections.

In Nigeria, lorry drivers often come from modest economic backgrounds, yet they are acutely aware of the economic disparities around them. Many lorry drivers have experienced or observed instances where financial capability dictates one’s social standing or desirability. This awareness is distilled into brief yet pointed phrases that capture the essence of these economic realities. By inscribing such statements on their tailboards, these drivers use humor to comment on serious social issues, turning their vehicles into rolling billboards of societal reflection.

The second insight into why Nigerian lorry drivers embrace this form of expression lies in the rich oral tradition and wisdom-sharing culture embedded in Nigerian society. Proverbs, idioms, and sayings are deeply ingrained in the Nigerian way of life, with elders and the community frequently sharing life lessons through concise, thought-provoking phrases. Drivers, particularly those who spend long hours on the road, often draw from this cultural repository of sayings to communicate their beliefs, values, or even warnings to those who read the tailboards.

These inscriptions serve as an extension of this oral tradition, modernized for a fast-paced world. The tailboard sayings are a form of modern-day “proverbs on wheels,” providing bite-sized wisdom that can be absorbed in a fleeting glance. In a society where not everyone has the time or access to long narratives, these lorry inscriptions bring insight and wisdom to anyone willing to read. For instance, a lorry sign that reads “No condition is permanent” reminds onlookers of life’s temporary struggles, conveying a hopeful message in a few words.

Through signs like “If money grows on trees, girls will date monkeys,” these drivers add their voice to conversations on wealth, loyalty, and human motivation, tapping into universal themes that resonate widely with Nigerians. Their signage serves as commentary on a world that is often challenging and unpredictable, yet somehow comical in its absurdities.

The highways of Nigeria can be tough on drivers, with roads that range from smooth highways to rugged paths full of potholes. Traffic delays, unpredictable weather, and the occasional breakdown mean that road users, especially lorry drivers, spend many hours navigating through stressful conditions. As such, these humorous signs offer moments of levity, giving road users something to smile about during otherwise tedious journeys.

For a weary driver behind a lorry, phrases like “If money grows on trees, girls will date monkeys” or “No food for lazy man” provide a lighthearted escape from the pressures of the road. These messages not only entertain but create a shared sense of humor and camaraderie among road users. Lorry drivers understand that their tailboards are often in the line of sight for extended periods, especially on congested roads, and so they make good use of the space to amuse and engage other drivers.

For instance, “‘Cry Your Own Cry’, a bold inscription on the tailboard of a lorry I spotted in traffic recently, serves as a blunt reminder to mind one’s business. In the midst of the gridlock, this phrase offers a bit of comic relief to the weary.”

In many cases, this signage can also serve as icebreakers. Other drivers, passengers, or even pedestrians might start conversations about the sayings, connecting people through shared amusement or reflection on the meaning. In a country where communal living and storytelling are treasured, lorry signage on Nigerian roads has evolved into a medium that unites people in humor and shared experiences.

In Nigeria, the tailboard messages on Lorries serve multiple purposes, from reflecting on societal issues to providing wisdom and alleviating stress. Each phrase is a small piece of the driver’s worldview, crafted to provoke thought, inspire laughter, or share a common truth. In the case of “If money grows on trees, girls will date monkeys,” it is a clever and satirical take on materialism in relationships, but it also speaks to the driver’s keen observation of human behavior and motivations.

In many ways, the signage on Nigerian lorry tailboards has transcended its primary function of humor and transformed into a social commentary platform. These inscriptions may be short, but they carry deep meaning, serving as reminders, provocations, or simply expressions of the drivers’ unique perspectives on life.