I think it has something to do with Religion as well as Culture. Nigeria being Muslim Country, men pay women for Marrying them. The money paid is called as 'Mahr'. It is demanded by the Bride and amount is also fixed by the bride. It happens in almost Every Majority Muslim Country be it Nigeria, Middle East, etc.
Coming to India, the culture has really influenced the Religion. Muslim Grooms' family pay the MAHR but receive a huge dowry from the family of Bride And you are right dowry has made the status of women quite horrible. Girl babies are being aborted, Girl child denied basic rights by their own parents sometimes even killed, Child marriage to some very old guy inorder to evade from paying Dowry, and Even Brides being Burnt Alive by their in-laws.
I agree with you that the practice nowadays has limited itself to some rural parts of country, but it is still there.
You have put up a good Post here (Cause).