A recent survey has revealed that men in Lagos State spent an estimate of N661 billion on commercial sex workers, commonly known as “runs girls” in 2024.
According to the survey shared by an investor and investment banker, Kayode MO (@kayomosebi), 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 survey was carried out to establish the economic importance of commercial sex work, the market value and the players.
Statistical analysis claimed 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 s3x 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 s3x reaching up to N100,000.
This area known for its concentration of wealth and business activity, is home to affluent neighbourhoods like Ikoyi, Victoria Island, and Lekki.
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.
Of the N93 billion received by the sex workers, N93 billion was spent on “body and skin maintenance products, including natural hair.”
The study revealed that the sex workers supported their families with N62.5 billion.
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.
