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Revealed: How Data On ₦661b Spent By Lagos Men On Sex Was Collected
By Benjamin Abioye
A report by MoAfrica has revealed that Lagos men spent approximately ₦661 billion on transactional relationships and sex in 2024, sparking widespread discussion. But how was this data compiled?
Speaking on Arise TV, Kayode Omosebi, Director at MoAfrica, explained that the findings were part of a broader study on Lagos’ informal economy and social lifestyle trends.
The research used 2016 Lagos State population data to estimate that 3.1 million sexually active men fall within the economically viable age group of 20 to 69. Surveys conducted across 20 local government areas revealed that 1.89 million men engage in transactional sex, averaging one encounter per month.
To determine spending patterns, 10,000 sex workers were interviewed over three months. The research found that rates per session vary by location—ranging from ₦100,000 in high-end areas like Eti-Osa to ₦10,000 in lower-income neighborhoods like Ajegunle—with an average session cost of ₦36,750. This translated to ₦329 billion in direct transactions.
Beyond direct payments, the study identified an additional ₦332 billion spent on associated costs such as lodging, gifts, entertainment, and personal maintenance of partners. These figures were obtained by surveying men across Lagos to determine their average annual spending on such expenses, which ranged from ₦119,000 per person to ₦500,000 in upscale areas.
The study also analyzed how the money is redistributed within the economy. Findings show that a significant portion of sex workers’ earnings is spent on beauty and body enhancements (₦90 billion), family support (₦60 billion), and healthcare (₦20 billion).
However, Omosebi noted that the actual figures could be even higher. “We could only measure direct sex work transactions. The indirect economy, which includes personal arrangements and informal relationships, remains largely undocumented,” he stated.
The report highlights the economic impact of the nightlife and hospitality industry in Lagos, suggesting that government policies could focus on formalizing aspects of the informal economy—such as short-term rentals and entertainment businesses—to boost Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
While taxing sex work in Nigeria may not be feasible due to cultural and religious sensitivities, Omosebi emphasized that recognizing its economic influence is essential for planning in sectors such as hospitality, tourism, and healthcare.
With Lagos already a hub for entertainment and nightlife, experts argue that other states could also explore opportunities in tourism, hospitality, and cultural events to expand their economies.
The report provides critical insights into the spending patterns of Lagos residents, reinforcing the city’s status as a major driver of Nigeria’s informal economy.
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