Quick Summary: A recent survey by MO Africa Co. reveals that men in Lagos spent ₦661 billion on transactional sex in 2024. The study highlights spending patterns, social factors, and the industry’s economic impact. With 1.86 million participants, the trade spans brothels, escort services, and online platforms. Financial struggles and changing relationship dynamics drive this underground economy.
Men in Lagos Spent ₦661 Billion on Transactional Sex in 2024, Report Reveals
A new survey report has estimated that men in Lagos State spent a staggering ₦661 billion on transactional sex in 2024. The findings, published by MO Africa Co, an advisory firm specializing in data-driven solutions for businesses and governments in Africa, highlight the scale and complexity of this underground industry, which persists despite legal and societal constraints.
Breakdown of Spending
According to the report, ₦329 billion went directly to sex workers. Additional expenditures included:
- ₦117 billion on gifts
- ₦83.6 billion on entertainment
- ₦66.9 billion on hotels and short-lets
- ₦16.7 billion on sexual enhancers and stimulants
- ₦16.7 billion on substances and social vices
Study Coverage and Key Findings
The survey covered 20 local government areas (LGAs) in Lagos, analyzing spending patterns, social dynamics, and the industry’s impact on other sectors. The report estimated that out of approximately 3.1 million sexually active men aged 20 to 69 in Lagos, 1.86 million engaged in transactional sex throughout the year.
Cost Per Encounter Varies by Location
On average, each participant spent ₦36,750 per encounter. However, prices varied significantly by area:
- Alimosho LGA: ₦20,000 per session
- Eti-Osa LGA: ₦100,000 per session (affluent areas)
Evolution of Transactional Sex
Transactional sex is no longer limited to traditional street prostitution. The industry has expanded to include:
- Brothel services
- High-end escort agencies
- Online platforms, where sex workers connect with clients via social media and content-sharing sites
Social and Economic Drivers
The report attributes the widespread engagement in transactional sex to several social and economic factors, including:
- Convenience and avoidance of emotional attachments
- Stress relief
- Financial struggles and cost-of-living pressures
- Changing societal views on relationships
Survival Strategy for Sex Workers
For sex workers, financial necessity remains the primary motivation. Approximately 70% of respondents cited economic survival as their reason for engaging in the trade. Many reinvest their earnings in:
- Personal upkeep
- Family support
- Education
- Small businesses
Conclusion
The report underscores the deep-rooted economic and social dynamics driving the transactional sex industry in Lagos. With rising living costs and limited job opportunities, many individuals turn to this trade as a means of financial survival, further fueling its growth and integration into the city’s economy.
