Commercial Sex Work and State Regulation in Nigeria: A Political Economy Analysis, 2015 -2025

Abstract Commercial sex work remains one of the most complex and controversial socio-economic issues in Nigeria, reflecting the interplay of poverty, unemployment, gender inequality, public health concerns, criminal justice policies, and human rights. Although the practice is prohibited under Nigerian law, it has continued to expand and diversify between 2015 and 2025, driven by worsening economic conditions, rapid urbanization, youth unemployment, internal migration, and the growing influence of digital technologies that facilitate online solicitation and networking. This study examines the political economy of commercial sex work in Nigeria by analysing its underlying socio-economic drivers, the effectiveness of existing state regulatory frameworks, and their implications for governance and sustainable development. Anchored in Political Economy Theory, the study adopts a qualitative documentary research design based on the systematic review of peer-reviewed journal articles, government publications, legal instruments, and reports. The findings reveal that punitive legal and law enforcement approaches have achieved limited success in reducing commercial sex work while simultaneously increasing the vulnerability of sex workers to violence, exploitation, social stigma, health risks, and economic insecurity. The digitalisation of commercial sex work has also complicated regulatory efforts and exposed significant gaps in existing legal and institutional frameworks. It concludes that a more balanced and sustainable policy response should integrate economic empowerment programmes, expanded social protection, strengthened anti-trafficking initiatives, rights-based public health interventions, and evidence-based governance reforms. The study contributes to contemporary debates on informal economies, state regulation, gender, and social policy, while providing practical recommendations for improving governance and protecting vulnerable populations in Nigeria.