LAGOS, Nigeria — A recent survey has revealed that men in Lagos State spent an estimated N661 billion in 2024 to satisfy their sexual desires with commercial sex workers, commonly referred to as “runs girls.”
The findings, shared by X user Kayode MO (@kayomosebi) on Monday, March 17, 2025 provide a detailed breakdown of the staggering expenditure.
According to the survey, N329 billion was paid directly to sex workers, while an additional N332 billion was spent on associated costs such as entertainment, gifts, and drugs.
The study aimed to quantify the economic impact of commercial sex work, its market value, and the key players involved.
The survey analysed data from 3.1 million sexually active men aged 20 to 69 across 20 local government areas in Lagos.
It found that 1.86 million men engaged in transactional sex with non-partners. The average rate charged by sex workers was N36,750, with the lowest rate being N20,000.
Eti-Osa Local Government Area, home to affluent neighbourhoods like Ikoyi, Victoria Island, and Lekki, emerged as the location with the highest prices, with transactional sex reaching up to N100,000.
Surulere, Kosofe, Alimosho, and Oshodi-Isolo followed Eti-Osa in terms of expensive transactional sex.
The survey also detailed how the N329 billion received by sex workers was allocated. A significant N93 billion was spent on “body and skin maintenance products, including natural hair,” while N62.5 billion was used to support families.
Another 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 programs, coursework, project writers, and settlements.
Beyond direct payments, Lagos men spent N332 billion on associated costs. “Entertainment, food, and hospitality” accounted for a combined N150.6 billion.
Gifts, ranging from souvenirs and consumables to expense-paid trips, vacations, cars, and luxury items, represented the top single category of these other costs.
Additionally, “drugs, sexual enhancers, stimulators, and sex accessories” accounted for a combined N33.4 billion during the period under review.
The survey highlights the significant economic activity generated by the commercial sex industry in Lagos, shedding light on the financial dynamics and spending habits of men in the state.
It also underscores the role of sex workers in supporting their families and investing in personal and professional development.
