A recent survey has estimated that men in Lagos State spent a staggering N661 billion in 2024 to fulfill their sexual desires through commercial sex workers, commonly referred to as “runs girls.”
According to the findings shared by an X user, Kayode MO (@kayomosebi), N329 billion was spent directly on hiring sex workers, while an additional N332 billion went toward associated costs.
The study aimed to assess the economic impact, market size, and key players within the transactional sex industry in Lagos. It revealed that out of the 3.1 million sexually active men aged 20 to 69 across 20 local government areas, approximately 1.86 million engaged in paid sex with non-partners.
The average fee charged per encounter was N36,750, with the lowest rates at N20,000. However, in Eti-Osa Local Government Area—home to affluent neighborhoods such as Ikoyi, Victoria Island, and Lekki—transactional sex could cost as much as N100,000. Other LGAs with high rates included Surulere, Kosofe, Alimosho, and Oshodi-Isolo.
Spending Breakdown
Of the N329 billion earned by sex workers:
N93 billion went toward body and skin maintenance, including natural hair care.
N62.5 billion was used to support family members.
Another N62.5 billion covered expenses such as clothing, accessories, rent, cars, e-hailing services, fitness, and healthy living.
N46 billion was invested in businesses, including cryptocurrency, forex trading, and betting.
N30 billion was spent on healthcare and education, including antibiotics, STD treatments, check-ups, university tuition, coursework, and settlements.
Beyond direct payments for sex, Lagos men spent an additional N332 billion on related activities. Entertainment, food, and hospitality accounted for N150.6 billion of this amount.
Luxury gifts—including vacations, cars, and high-end items for premium clients—stood out as the highest individual expense in this category. Additionally, N33.4 billion was spent on drugs, sexual enhancers, stimulants, and accessories.
The survey underscores the significant economic footprint of transactional sex in Lagos, highlighting its influence on various industries and consumer spending patterns.
