There’s A Strange Trend In Nigeria Right Now

There is a direct link between poverty and prost!tution among women. Research conducted in the UK reveals that the number of prost!tutes increases as levels of hardship escalate.

Recent reports from the UK (2024–2025) confirm a rise in “survival s*x” due to the cost-of-living crisis. Research submitted to the UK Parliament indicated that roughly 74% of female s*x workers cited poverty as their primary motivation.

In Nigeria, the National Labour Congress (NLC) reported in late 2025 that the country is facing its most severe survival crisis in history, which historically correlates with a rise in the informal economy, including transactional s*x.

For men, s*x is about the venue; for women, it is about what comes out of it. A Hot man would have s*x and consider the consequences later. For a woman, however, she seeks justification for her actions. Poverty has eaten deeply into the moral fabric of Nigeria, thereby creating a myriad of challenges. Virtually the biggest developments in Nigeria bear the hallmarks of poverty. If the Nollywood star Regina Daniels were rich, Ned Nwoko would have had zero chance of marrying her at such a tender age of 18 or less.

If actor Doris Ogala were financially comfortable, as she claimed, Pastor Chris Okafor would not have had his way so seamlessly. Pastor Chris would not have shared her with her husband like affordable student accommodation. Yes, he is handsome and tall, but there are many broke men with those same features who engage in “self-help” in their bathrooms. Money made the difference. The truth must be told.

What about the ex-chorister of Pastor Chris who allegedly birthed his child? Poverty was an important determinant. I am sure that each time Ebere screamed, “Yes, Papa, ride on, Papa,” in church, the congregants did not understand that the feeling ran deeper than the flowery pulpit messages. The proliferation of churches, insecurity crises, political corruption, and indiscriminate “billing” on social media all have roots in poverty. The conflicting “New Year prophecies”—one of the greatest con jobs in Nigeria’s history—have economic connotations. Poverty is a huge catalyst.

Most of the abroad returnees who participate in the annual “Detty December” in Nigeria are as quiet as cats outside the shores of the country. This is because the lower levels of poverty abroad make it harder for them to operate. However, these same men become viciously empowered the moment they set foot in Nigeria. They cause “wetness” wherever they go, without any sign of rainfall or humidity. Each time a randy Nigerian man visited the country from the UK, there was always side talk of him turning a lady over like a pot of hot amala. And guess what? The price is always affordable. It is a common trend. Once you desire it, you are almost certain to get it in abundance.

If the ‘Ibale’ culture of virginity-keeping before marriage, as practised by the Yorubas, were to return today, only 1% of women would get married. This is because many young ladies have been pounded more than Gaza, Palestine, since puberty.

I recently heard the story of a young man who slept with two beautiful women for less than £150. It was a dream come true for him. He had an appointment with one of them, and when they met, he noticed a more beautiful friend of hers. He did not hide his feelings and openly showed interest. The “business-oriented” friend charged him ₦100,000 for a “therapeutic session.” The battleground was opened, and both parties entered a bloodless war. As one friend moaned in enjoyment, the other could not resist. She walked into the room, undressed, and joined the contest. The man paid them ₦100,000 each and spent another ₦50,000 feeding them after the daunting task. It was unbelievable.

The Tinubu administration has exposed young women to harsh economic realities, leaving them with no option but to use their natural endowments to augment their sources of income. The administration’s 2025 policies—such as subsidy removal and high inflation—have led to what experts describe as “survival s*x” becoming a primary income source for some families. A 2025 study on Nigerian family resilience found that poverty often forces a “re-evaluation” of morals. Families may overlook or even implicitly encourage transactional s*x if it is the only way to provide food and education for siblings.

At face value, transactional s*x seems harmless. It appears to be a win-win situation: the woman’s palm is greased while the man is relieved of natural tension. However, acts like this devalue the institution of marriage. They fuel the objectification and commodification of women. Men become discouraged from marriage and instead choose to have children and move on. Research has shown that children raised without strong family values often end up as societal misfits. Studies further indicate that children in households where s*x is traded for survival face higher risks of dysfunctional family dynamics, including exposure to substance use or early s*xualisation, which can disrupt the development of healthy relationship values. In the long run, this becomes a menace to the Nigerian state.

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Osahon Osayimwen writes from England.

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