Sex workers
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A recent survey has uncovered that Lagos State witnessed an estimated expenditure of N661 billion in 2024, as men sought to satisfy their sexual desires with commercial sex workers, commonly known as “runs girls.”The survey sighted by PUNCH Online on Monday, shared by X user Kayode MO (@kayomosebi), breaks down the staggering figure.
“Of the N661 billion, the sum of N329 billion was paid to hire the girls, while N332 billion was spent on other associated costs,” the report stated.
The study aimed to quantify the economic impact of commercial sex work, its market value, and the key players involved.
Statistical analysis revealed that out of the 3.1 million sexually active men aged 20 to 69 across 20 local government areas in Lagos, a substantial 1.86 million engaged in transactional sex with non-partners. The average rate charged by sex workers was N36,750, with the lowest rate being N20,000.
Eti-Osa Local Government area emerged as the location with the highest prices, with transactional sex reaching up to N100,000.
This area, home to affluent neighbourhoods like Ikoyi, Victoria Island, and Lekki, is known for its concentration of wealth and business activity. Surulere, Kosofe, Alimosho, and Oshodi-Isolo followed Eti-Osa in terms of expensive transactional sex.
The survey further detailed how the N329 billion received by sex workers was allocated.
A significant N93 billion was spent on “body and skin maintenance products, including natural hair.”
The study highlighted the financial support provided to families, with N62.5 billion being used for this purpose. An additional N62.5 billion was spent on “clothing, accessories, rent, car and e-hailing, fitness and healthy living.”
Investments in businesses, including “crypto, trading, forex, and betting,” amounted to N46 billion. Health and education each accounted for N15 billion, covering expenses such as “antibiotics, supplements, STD treatment, check ups, Bachelor’s program, coursework, project writers, and settlements.”
Beyond the direct payments to sex workers, Lagos men spent N332 billion on associated costs. “Entertainment, food and hospitality” accounted for a combined N150.6 billion.
“Gifts, ranging from souvenirs and other simple consumables from ‘loyal’ and repeat customers to expense-paid trips, vacations, cars, and luxury items in the more premium segments, represented the top single category of these other costs,” the survey explained.
Furthermore, “drugs, sexual enhancers, stimulators and sex accessories also enjoyed a combined N33.4 billion in the time period,” the report concluded.
Punch
