By Prosper Mene
A troubling trend is emerging in Nigeria as the nation grapples with a worsening economic slump, pushing women into desperate measures to survive. Women like Temi, a 28-year-old office worker, are increasingly engaging in transactional sex to secure promotions, bolster their finances, or gain attention in a fiercely competitive job market.
The story paints a stark picture of a country where unemployment is soaring and wages remain stagnant, leaving many with few viable options. For some Nigerian women, sex work has become a grim necessity—a means of navigating a system that offers little support or opportunity. “Economic desperation strips away choices, especially for women with limited safety nets,” said Dr. Aisha Bello, a sociologist quoted in the article. Her words underscore the human cost of a crisis that official narratives often gloss over.
In cities like Lagos and Abuja, women from diverse backgrounds—former entrepreneurs, single mothers, and even professionals—are entering the sex trade, driven by desperation rather than choice. Temi, a 32-year-old former shop owner, told reporters, “My business collapsed last year. Now, this is the only way I can feed my children.” Her story echoes a broader trend, with human rights groups estimating a sharp rise in sex work since the crisis intensified.
The economic strain is stark: inflation hit 22% in early 2025, while over 40% of Nigerians live below the poverty line, according to recent data. Government welfare programs, such as the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP), have failed to stem the tide, leaving vulnerable populations exposed. In rural areas, the situation is even bleaker, with limited access to jobs or aid forcing women into exploitative arrangements.
Advocates warn of rising risks, including trafficking and violence, as the trade grows. “The government must address the root causes—poverty and unemployment—or this will only worsen,” said Aisha Bello of the Women’s Rights Network. Meanwhile, Tinubu’s administration defends its reforms, claiming they are necessary for long-term growth, with the president recently stating Nigeria is nearing “the light at the end of the tunnel.”
