Nigeria’s Sex Workers Association Calls for Protection Against Harassment and Abuse

The Nigeria Sex Workers Association (NSWA) has issued a public appeal urging law enforcement agencies to protect its members from harassment, violence, and abuse. This call, delivered through a statement by the association’s National Coordinator, Amaka Enemo, reflects mounting concerns over the treatment of sex workers across the country.

Released to the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Lagos, the statement highlighted the rising incidents of physical assaults, harassment, and extortion allegedly perpetrated by both clients and law enforcement officials. Enemo underscored the urgent need for authorities to recognize the humanity of sex workers and ensure their safety and dignity.

In her statement, Enemo stressed that sex workers are not criminals but individuals with rights deserving of protection. “We are members of the community, and our safety and well-being are integral to the overall health and stability of society,” she said.

The coordinator linked the protection of sex workers to broader public health concerns, noting that ensuring their safety would contribute to reducing the spread of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. She argued that systematic violence and discrimination against sex workers not only endanger their lives but also undermine efforts to achieve public health and human rights goals.

“Despite the critical role that sex workers play in the economy and society, they continue to face violence, stigmatisation, and exclusion,” Enemo said. “This violence endangers their lives and dignity as human beings. We deserve to work in safety and live free from fear. It is time for our voices to be heard, and for our rights to be respected.”

To address these challenges, NSWA outlined a series of recommendations aimed at fostering a more just and protective environment for sex workers. These include:

1. Training Law Enforcement Personnel: Comprehensive training programs to sensitize officers on the rights of sex workers, emphasizing professional conduct and the importance of protecting vulnerable groups.
2. Safe Reporting Mechanisms: Establishing channels for sex workers to report incidents of violence or abuse without fear of retaliation or victimization.
3. Accountability and Justice: Holding law enforcement officials and clients accountable for acts of violence, harassment, or extortion, and ensuring perpetrators face legal consequences.
4. Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating the broader public to combat stigma and discrimination against sex workers, fostering a more inclusive and understanding society.

Enemo also called on stakeholders—including government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the general public—to collaborate with NSWA in combating the systemic injustices faced by sex workers. She emphasized that collective efforts are crucial in addressing the stigma, violence, and marginalization that persist.

“The safety and dignity of sex workers should not be a negotiable issue,” Enemo said. “We call on all stakeholders to join hands with us in advocating for the rights and safety of our members.”