Nigerian Woman Says Sex Work Is The Only Business That Has Worked For Her After Multiple Failed Ventures

A Nigerian woman has sparked widespread reactions online after revealing that sex work became her only successful source of income despite trying numerous legitimate businesses to make ends meet.

In a video circulating on social media, the woman recounted her attempts to earn a living through various ventures, including selling granite and sachet water, running a salon and offering makeup services.

According to her, none of the businesses generated enough income to meet her financial needs, leaving her struggling to pay bills and afford basic necessities.

She said she eventually turned to sex work, popularly referred to as olosho in Nigerian parlance, claiming it had proved more financially rewarding than her previous ventures.

“I’m not a lazy girl. I’ve done any business you could literally think of in this life to survive, but none worked. Guess the one that worked for me? Olosho work,” she said.

The woman insisted that her decision was not driven by laziness but by her determination to survive after unsuccessful attempts to establish other sources of income.

She further indicated that she intended to continue with the line of work despite possible criticism or condemnation from members of the public, declaring that she would remain in the trade until she dies.

The woman also appealed to potential clients to contact her, describing her services as expensive.

Her revelation has drawn mixed reactions from social media users, with some suggesting she should focus on what works for her, while others questioned the long-term implications of her decision.

One user noted that prostitution was not an easy job, while another joked about considering becoming a gigolo. Others raised concerns about ageing and the possibility of continuing the work in the future.

One comment read: “Olosho work sef no easy,” while another stated: “Dey do anything wey dey work out for you, U no need explain to us”.

The woman’s story has also prompted broader discussions about the financial challenges some Nigerians face while trying to establish sustainable businesses amid rising living costs and economic pressures.

Her disclosure comes against the backdrop of Nigerian law, which criminalises prostitution.

In March 2025, a Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed a suit seeking fundamental rights for commercial sex workers, with Justice James Omotosho ruling that prostitutes have no legal rights under any known law or the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The judge stated that commercial sex workers were liable to be arrested and prosecuted for a jail term of up to two years under the Penal Code, describing prostitution as “an anathema in Africa”.