A recent survey by MO Africa Co, an advisory firm specializing in data-driven solutions for businesses and governments across Africa, has revealed that men in Lagos State spent an estimated ₦661 billion on transactional sex in 2024.
The report provides deep insights into the scale of an underground industry that persists despite legal and societal constraints.
The survey disclosed that out of the total amount spent, ₦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-term rentals
- ₦16.7 billion on sexual enhancers and stimulants
- ₦16.7 billion on substances and social vices
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The study, which surveyed 20 local government areas (LGAs) in Lagos, examined spending patterns, social behaviors, and the market’s impact on other industries.
With approximately 3.1 million sexually active men aged 20 to 69 in Lagos, the report estimates that 1.86 million engaged in transactional sex throughout 2024.
On average, each participant spent about ₦36,750 per encounter, though prices varied significantly across different LGAs. The cost ranged from ₦20,000 in Alimosho to as high as ₦100,000 in the upscale Eti-Osa area.
Transactional sex in Lagos extends beyond traditional street prostitution to include brothels, high-end escort services, and a rapidly expanding online market.
Many sex workers leverage social media and content-sharing platforms to attract clients, highlighting the evolving nature of the industry.
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The report attributes this vast spending to a combination of social and economic factors. Many men opt for paid sexual services due to their convenience, the ability to avoid emotional attachments, and as a means of stress relief.
Economic hardship, urban expansion, and shifting attitudes towards relationships also contribute to the demand for these services.
For the sex workers, financial necessity remains the primary motivator. Approximately 70% of those surveyed indicated that they engage in the trade to survive the high cost of living and limited job opportunities in Lagos.
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Earnings from transactional sex are often reinvested in personal upkeep, family support, education, and small business ventures.
While transactional sex remains a contentious topic, its economic impact is undeniable, influencing various sectors such as hospitality, retail, and pharmaceuticals.
As Lagos continues to grow, the conversation around this industry’s regulation and societal implications is likely to intensify.
