SEX WORK IN NIGERIA; REGULATION, NOT CRIMINALIZATION
ABSTRACT
It is pertinent to note that there is essentially no difference between prostitution and sex work. This would be expatiated upon in the course of this paper. Sex Work in Nigeria is illegal in all Northern States that practice the Islamic Penal Code. In the Southern part of Nigeria, the activities of pimps, underage prostitution and the ownership of brothels are penalized under Sections 223 to 225 of the Nigerian Criminal Code. This Article examines the history and prevalence of Sex Work in Nigeria, its causes, its effects, both positive and negative. It further seeks to examine the disposition of several jurisdictions towards Sex Work and Constitutional provisions protecting sex workers with regards to their freedom of choice, freedom from discrimination, among others. In entirety, this paper attempts an appraisal of the need to decriminalize and subsequently regulate sex work in Nigeria and not criminalize or victimize sex workers.
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UNILAG Law Review, (2020) Volume 4 Edition 1
About the Author
Shadare Oluwasemilore Enoch is a 500-level law student the University of Lagos He has a special interest in ADR, and he is an Associate Member of the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC), Nigeria.
