The removal of fuel subsidy in Kano State has sent shockwaves through the community of commercial sex workers, drastically affecting their income and livelihoods, according to a recent report. Sex workers who once enjoyed steady patronage and higher rates are now grappling with dwindling customers and significantly reduced charges for their services.
In the vibrant city of Kano, the hub of commercial activities, sex workers have taken a financial hit since the fuel subsidy removal. Previously accustomed to earning substantial sums and thriving within their trade, these women now find themselves struggling to make ends meet. Their voices were heard as they shared their stories with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in the Sabon Gari area of Fagge Local Government Area on Sunday, August 27.
Ms. Mercy Benjamin, one of the affected sex workers, lamented that the removal of the fuel subsidy had led to a decline in customers seeking their services. Previously charging N5,000 for a “short time” session lasting about an hour, these women are now facing a reality where the going rate has plummeted to as low as N500 to N700 per session.
The situation has left many of these women in dire straits, as their earnings have sharply declined due to the economic challenges brought about by the subsidy removal. Another sex worker, Jennifer, emphasized the stark change in their fortunes. She described how the once bustling business had transformed, with fewer customers willing to pay even modest fees. Jennifer vividly recalled days when she could attend to seven to ten customers daily, earning between N5,000 and N10,000 for their services.
In stark contrast to the past, the sex workers now find themselves grappling with an entirely different reality. Gone are the times of abundant patronage and generous offerings from customers. Instead, they now face days of uncertainty, with customers scarce and their offerings of meager value. The once-bustling streets of Enugu Road, Aba Road, Onitsha Road, and Abbedie Street, all well-known hotspots for sex workers in Sabon Gari, now paint a somber picture of women standing idle, hoping for a customer that seldom comes.
The impact of this economic downturn isn’t confined solely to the sex workers. Nightclubs, entertainment centers, and beer joints have also seen a significant drop in patrons, as residents are reluctant to spend money on leisure activities during these trying times. The removal of the fuel subsidy has triggered a domino effect, rippling through various sectors of the local economy.
In the midst of this crisis, some sex workers, like Helen Ediga, are considering alternative paths. Ediga, a single mother of three, expressed her deep dissatisfaction with her line of work and her determination to find a different source of income. The hardship brought about by the subsidy removal pushed her into this profession, but she’s eager to leave it behind if given an opportunity for a more stable livelihood.
