Nigerians In Sex Work, ‘Runs’ Must Pay Tax Under New Law – Oyedele
President Bola Tinubu’s chief tax reform strategist, Taiwo Oyedele, has declared that all Nigerians, including those engaged in sex work (popularly called “runs”), will be required to pay tax under the new fiscal reforms set to take effect in January 2026.
Mr. Oyedele, who chairs the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, explained that under the new framework, the tax law makes no distinction between legitimate and illicit sources of income.
Speaking on Saturday at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, City of David Parish in Lagos, Mr. Oyedele emphasized that any service rendered in exchange for money will attract tax obligations — including sexual transactions.
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“If somebody is doing run girls, they go and look for men to sleep with; you know that’s a service. They will pay tax on it,” Mr. Oyedele told the congregation.
He further clarified that the law only recognizes income, goods, or services rendered without investigating their legality.
“One thing about the tax law is it doesn’t separate whether what you’re doing is legitimate or not; it doesn’t even ask you. It just asks you whether you have an income. Did you get it from rendering a service or providing a good? You pay tax,” he added.
Why It Matters
For decades, Nigeria’s government has largely ignored prostitution, runs, and other underground economic activities in its taxation system. However, the Tinubu administration, grappling with dwindling revenues and a fragile economy, is now seeking to expand the tax net to all income earners.
Beyond Sex Work: Influencers and Remote Workers Targeted
The New Tax Act, signed into law by President Tinubu in June 2025, will not only cover sex workers but also social media influencers, digital freelancers, and Nigerians earning foreign income remotely.
This move underscores the administration’s intent to widen Nigeria’s tax base and generate additional revenue streams to stabilize the economy.