Economic Hardship Forces Lagos Sex Workers to Adjust Rates
Lagos State, Nigeria – Lagos sex workers have reported that the ongoing economic difficulties in Nigeria are compelling them to keep their service rates low. They have acknowledged the necessity of adjusting charges to accommodate the financial struggles faced by their clientele, which has resulted in a decline in business.
One of the sex workers, Nneka Neli, who operates in the Egbeda-Igando area, shared her experiences with Saturday PUNCH, stating that the number of men seeking her services has significantly dwindled. Neli emphasized the importance of maintaining affordable prices in order to keep her remaining clients, many of whom are grappling with the economic crisis.
“I aim to keep my rates reasonable for my customers. Some have even stopped coming due to the financial strain in the country,” Neli explained. She revealed that her charges range from N20,000 to N25,000 for an overnight stay, while a brief encounter lasts about N15,000. “Business is tough. We no longer see the bustling activity on Sundays that we used to. I pay N8,000 daily for my lodge, and just yesterday, I hadn’t even settled my bill yet. I need to hustle to make ends meet.”
Another sex worker, identified as Peace, who works along LASU Road, echoed similar sentiments about the dire economic conditions, stating that customer turnout had drastically declined. “This economy has been unkind to us. It’s a constant struggle. I have to maintain my prices just to attract any clients. For two hours, I charge N25,000; a quick encounter is N15,000, and for the whole night, it’s N30,000,” Peace noted, adding that her prices are flexible.
Dolapo Abiodun, a pimp, also spoke with Saturday PUNCH about the current situation, explaining that his workers have retained their previous rates to stay competitive. “If I offer any of these girls a job for N5,000 now, she wouldn’t refuse it. Many are not confident about finding customers anymore and some have started returning to their villages due to economic pressure. Our clientele no longer arrive in cars because of soaring fuel prices,” Abiodun elaborated. He added that services once priced at N10,000 have now seen rates drop to as low as N1,000 or N1,500 due to a lack of customers. “The economy is impacting everything, and these girls are struggling to find patrons,” he concluded.
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