S*x workers suspend ‘work’ in Lagos, Abuja, urge members to embrace social distancing

Jamiu Yisa

The Nigeria Sex Workers Association, on Tuesday, disclosed that it has sensitised its members across the country on the dangers of Coronavirus and why they should embrace social distancing.

The association’s National Coordinator, Amaka Enemo, said that though sex workers offer essential services, they would remain indoors because their services involve substantial bodily contact.

She said her members had been forced to suspend activities, especially in Lagos and Abuja due to the lockdown caused by the pandemic.

According to her, “We held sensitisation program for our members across the country including within our network. We also offer essential services.

“However, there is no way we can do our work without body contact. So, we are staying at home to watch what happens.

“Government has announced a lockdown and as law-abiding citizens, we will not flout the law. If the government says sit at home, we will all obey because nobody wants to die.

“S*x workers fall under essential services but ours is peculiar because of the nature of body contact. You cannot compare it to doctors because the doctors are not making full body contact with people the way we do,” she said.

Speaking on whether only ‘street operations’ had been suspended and if private home services could continue, she said the decision of the association was that all activities be put on hold.

“The directive affects street workers and those at home equally. For the sake of their health, they should all stay at home and avoid bodily contact.

“So, we stay at home but we are sharing materials that will keep them safe,” she advised.