What is the legality of prostitution in Lagos?
Prostitution in Lagos, Nigeria is considered illegal and is punishable by law. However, despite the criminalization of the act, it remains widespread in the city, with a significant number of commercial sex workers operating in various areas. The authorities often carry out raids and arrests in an attempt to curb the practice, but the underground nature of the business and the high demand for sex services make it difficult to completely eradicate.
What are the laws and penalties surrounding prostitution?
The Criminal Code Act of Nigeria is the primary law governing prostitution in the country. Under Section 223 of the Act, it is a criminal offense to engage in the act of prostitution, and the punishment for the offense can include imprisonment for up to two years. The law also provides for penalties against individuals who knowingly live off the earnings of a prostitute, as well as those who facilitate or promote prostitution.
- Section 223: Any person who knowingly lives wholly or in part on the earnings of prostitution, or who is proved to have, for the purposes of gain, exercised control, direction, or influence over the movements of a prostitute in such a manner as to show that he is aiding, abetting, or compelling her prostitution with any person or generally, is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for two years.
- Section 224: Any person who in any public place persistently solicits or importunes for immoral purposes is guilty of a misdemeanor and is liable to imprisonment for six months.
- Section 225: Any person who procures another to become a common prostitute or to leave Nigeria for the purpose of prostitution is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for three years.
However, enforcement of these laws is often inconsistent, and penalties can vary depending on the circumstances of each case and the discretion of the law enforcement officers involved.
What is prostitution called locally in Lagos?
Prostitution in Lagos is often referred to by various local terms and slang, depending on the area or context in which it is being discussed. Some of the most common terms used to describe prostitution and sex work in Lagos include:
- Ashawo – A widely used term for a prostitute or sex worker in Nigeria.
- Olosho – Another term for a prostitute, often used in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria.
- Runs – This term is used to describe the act of engaging in prostitution or seeking the services of a sex worker.
What is the history of prostitution in Lagos?
Prostitution has been a part of Lagos’ history since the pre-colonial era, when the city served as a major trading port along the West African coast. During the colonial period, prostitution continued to thrive as a result of the influx of European traders and administrators, who often sought the services of local sex workers. In the post-independence era, economic challenges and urbanization have contributed to the growth of the sex industry in Lagos, with many women turning to prostitution as a means of survival.
Over the years, various government and non-governmental organizations have attempted to address the issue of prostitution in Lagos through awareness campaigns, rehabilitation programs, and legal reforms. However, the deep-rooted social and economic factors that drive the practice continue to persist, making it a complex and enduring challenge for the city and its residents.
What government laws and resources are in place to address prostitution in Lagos?
As previously mentioned, the Nigerian Criminal Code Act criminalizes prostitution and related activities. In addition to this legislation, there are several government agencies and organizations that work to address the issue of prostitution in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria. These include:
- Nigerian Police Force: The Nigerian Police Force is responsible for enforcing laws against prostitution and carrying out raids on brothels and other locations where sex workers operate.
- National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP): This agency works to combat human trafficking and provide support to victims, including those who have been trafficked for the purpose of prostitution. (NAPTIP Website)
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs): Several NGOs work to address the issue of prostitution in Lagos, providing support and rehabilitation services to sex workers, as well as raising awareness about the risks and consequences of engaging in the trade. Examples of such organizations include the Women’s Consortium of Nigeria (WOCON) and the Nigerian Women’s Trust Fund.
Despite these efforts, prostitution continues to be a prevalent issue in Lagos, and a comprehensive approach that addresses the underlying social and economic factors driving the practice is needed to bring about lasting change.