Give Sex Workers Benefits if They Pay Tax, Says Women’s Rights Activist Ene Obi

Women’s rights activist and development advocate, Ene Obi, has called for commercial sex workers to be granted access to social amenities, benefits, and crucial protection from violence, should they be subjected to taxation.

Dependable NG reports that Ene Obi made this advocacy during an interview on Arise Television on Saturday. A reporter for Dependable NG noted that the advocate stressed the importance of viewing the issue through a human rights lens, especially given the widespread poverty in Nigeria.

Obi pointed out that over 100 million Nigerians currently live below the poverty line, with the heaviest burden often falling on women. She questioned the focus on taxing sex workers without addressing their rights and extreme vulnerability.

“When you are talking about taxation and you are talking about commercial sex workers, I think we need to step back a little because of issues of human rights,” Obi stated.

She concluded her argument by asserting a quid pro quo for any potential tax collection from the group: “So, if sex workers are made to pay taxes, they should also have access to social amenities, benefits, and protection. They face gender-based violence more,” highlighting the severe risks, particularly gender-based violence, that sex workers frequently encounter.