Fuel Subsidy Removal: Commercial sex workers complain of low patronage

The economic strain resulting from the removal of fuel subsidy has significantly impacted the livelihoods of commercial sex workers in Kano State.

They are currently grappling with reduced patronage from customers, leading them to express their concerns during interviews with a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent in the Sabon Gari area of Fagge Local Government Area on Sunday.

These sex workers, who once enjoyed substantial earnings, are now compelled to actively engage potential clients and offer their services at greatly reduced rates.

According to Ms. Mercy Benjamin, before the fuel subsidy removal, a session of “short time” service could be availed for N5,000 within an hour. However, the removal of the subsidy has prompted customers to disappear, causing the cost of a session to drop to as low as N500 to N700.

Benjamin stated, “Due to the current economic challenges, our business is struggling.”

Jennifer, another sex worker, emphasized that the business landscape has changed significantly. She mentioned that finding even a few customers in a day is now a challenge, and their offers are not as substantial as before.

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In the past, they could attend to 7 to 10 customers daily, receiving N5,000 to N10,000 for short-time services. Jennifer also noted the absence of customers in the evening, which used to be a peak time for them.

Due to the scarcity of customers, many sex workers are burdened by debts to hotel management and have been unable to pay for their accommodations. Some have even returned home, leaving their belongings behind due to financial difficulties.

Helen Ediga, located on Onitsha Road, shared her experience, expressing a desire to leave the profession if provided an alternative source of income. She disclosed that she engages in this work out of necessity as a single mother caring for three children. Her partner left for Abuja, leaving her responsible for the family’s well-being. Since the fuel subsidy removal, she has struggled to make ends meet and often spends entire days without interaction.

Helen Ediga revealed, “This has been a bitter experience. If I had another way to support myself, I would definitely leave this line of work!”

In addition, the challenging economic circumstances have led to reduced patronage at nightclubs, entertainment venues, and beer establishments, as residents are less inclined to spend money during the evening due to financial constraints.