A Nigerian man of mixed heritage, born to a Nigerian father and a Caucasian mother, has shared his experience of living in Nigeria without the wealth many people assume comes with being white or mixed-race.

Patrick Ifeanyi, who previously worked briefly in Nollywood, said many Nigerians automatically believe white and mixed-race individuals are wealthy, which often leads to surprise whenever they see him using public transportation or bargaining in markets.

In a Facebook post, he recounted how traders are often puzzled when he negotiates prices alongside his wife.

According to him, some sellers ask, “Why are you bargaining? White people have money!”

He joked that if they saw the balance in his bank account, they might end up giving him transport fare instead.

Patrick also described the reactions he receives when boarding public buses, saying some passengers stare at him as though he has entered the wrong vehicle.

He said people sometimes appear shocked to see someone who looks white using public transportation, with some assuming he must be struggling financially if he is not driving a car.

Using the experience to challenge stereotypes, Patrick stressed that skin colour does not determine a person’s financial status.

He pointed out that many white people around the world work regular jobs, pay bills, struggle with rent and carefully manage their finances like everyone else.

According to him, wealth has no complexion, and people should avoid making assumptions based on appearance.

He concluded by noting that anyone, regardless of race, may be facing the same economic realities and daily struggles, adding that while assumptions may be easy to make, reality is often far more complex.