The Federal Government has stirred debate by confirming that income earned by commercial sex workers, commonly known as “runs girls,” is subject to taxation under Nigeria’s newly enacted tax reforms, effective January 1, 2026.
Speaking at a tax education session hosted by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), City of David in Lagos, Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, clarified that all income from services or goods in Nigeria is taxable, regardless of the activity’s legality.
“If somebody is doing runs girls, they provide a service by engaging with clients. That income is taxable,” Oyedele stated in a widely circulated video. “Tax law doesn’t distinguish between legitimate or illegitimate activities—it focuses on whether you earned income.”
The reforms, signed into law in June, consolidate over 200 legislative changes into a unified framework aimed at simplifying compliance and expanding Nigeria’s revenue base.
Oyedele emphasized that the law applies uniformly to individuals, businesses, employees, civil servants, social media influencers, and remote workers earning foreign currency.
“These are the most transformative tax reforms in our nation’s history,” he said, likening misinterpretations of the law to the parable of a blind man misjudging an elephant by touching only one part.
Oyedele clarified that non-exchange transactions, such as gifts or upkeep sent to relatives or dependents, remain tax-exempt.
“If you give money as a gift, it’s not taxable—but you should have paid tax on your income before giving,” he explained.
However, payments for services, including those from commercial sex work, fall squarely under the tax net.
The announcement has spotlighted Nigeria’s commercial sex industry, which, according to a 2024 Guardian report, saw Lagos men spend an estimated N661 billion on transactional sex last year.
Of this, N329 billion went directly to sex workers, with the rest covering related expenses like entertainment and hospitality.
The report noted that sex workers often channel earnings into family support, healthcare, education, and small businesses, reflecting their economic contributions.
Oyedele urged Nigerians to view the reforms holistically, warning against fixating on isolated examples like sex work. “The starting point is context,” he said.
“If someone renders a service, they pay tax. It’s about income, not morality.”
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
