Sh*ck Move: FG Says S3x Workers Are Service Providers, Orders Tax Payment

According to Ireporter Online, the Federal Government has announced that commercial sex workers in Nigeria will be required to pay tax on income earned from their services under new tax reforms initiated by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

This was disclosed by the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, during a tax education session organized by the Redeemed Christian Church of God, City of David, Lagos. A video of his remarks has since gone viral.

Oyedele explained that under the law guiding the reforms, which will take effect in 2026, all income derived from the exchange of goods or services is taxable, regardless of the legitimacy of the activity. He emphasized that the law does not distinguish between legal and illegal enterprises but is focused on ensuring that income generated through any form of service is taxed.

Clarifying further, he noted that money sent to dependants, family members, or others as upkeep or gifts is not taxable, as such transfers are classified as “non-exchange transactions.” He stressed that it is the sender who must have already paid tax on their income before giving such gifts.

Citing examples, Oyedele said sex workers, often referred to as “runs girls,” provide a service in exchange for payment and, therefore, must pay tax like every other Nigerian engaged in income-generating activities.

He urged citizens not to view the reforms merely as a means of government collecting money but as part of a comprehensive system designed to simplify taxation, expand the tax base, and improve compliance across sectors. According to him, the reforms will impact individuals, businesses, employers, employees, and civil servants alike.

Describing the reforms as the most far-reaching in Nigeria’s history, Oyedele said the legislation contains over 200 major changes spread across more than 400 pages. He likened public perception of the reforms to the proverbial blind men and the elephant, stressing the importance of looking at the big picture rather than focusing on isolated issues.