The Nigeria Sex Workers Association (NSWA) has condemned the rising harassment and abuse faced by sex workers, urging law enforcement to ensure their safety.
In a statement released Tuesday, NSWA’s National Coordinator, Amaka Enemo, highlighted the dire conditions sex workers face, saying, “Despite the critical role that sex workers play in the economy and society, they continue to be subjected to systematic violence, discrimination and stigmatisation.”
Enemo noted that this violence not only threatens the lives of sex workers but also strips them of their basic human dignity.
“We deserve to work in safety and to live free from fear. It is time for our voices to be heard, and for our rights to be respected,” she added.
Enemo pointed to disturbing trends, including a rise in physical assaults, harassment, and extortion by both clients and law enforcement personnel.
She called on law enforcement agencies to recognise the humanity of sex workers, stating that they are not criminals but individuals who deserve protection. “Our absolute safety and well-being contribute to the overall health of communities,” Enemo explained, noting that protecting sex workers can help reduce the spread of sexually transmitted infections such as HIV.
The NSWA leader urged authorities to implement professional training for law enforcement, create safe reporting mechanisms, and hold perpetrators accountable.
She also called for public awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and ensure justice for victims of abuse, urging government, NGOs, and the public to join efforts in supporting sex workers’ rights and safety across the nation.
