Commercial sex workers in Kano have called on the organisers of the ongoing nationwide hunger protests to engage the Federal Government in dialogue, as the demonstrations have severely impacted their livelihoods.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday, several sex workers expressed their concerns over the economic downturn caused by the protests, which they say has left them without customers and struggling to survive.
Monica James, who operates on France Road, stressed the importance of dialogue as a solution to the ongoing unrest.
“I haven’t eaten for two days because of the curfew; our customers are nowhere to be found,” she lamented.
James urged the organisers to reconsider their approach and negotiate with the government to bring an end to the protests.
Deborah Iliya, a sex worker on Yoruba Road, echoed James’ sentiments, describing the situation as dire. “It’s been a nightmare; I haven’t been able to find any customers,” she said.
Hannatu Ibrahim, based in the Weatherhead area, also called for an end to the protests, adding her voice to the growing appeals for the restoration of normalcy.
Caroline James, who operates from a brothel on Enugu Street in Sabon Gari, reported that the infiltration of hoodlums and the ensuing violence have “ruined our business.”
She explained that she had clients lined up willing to pay between N30,000 and N40,000, but they were unable to keep their appointments due to the tension and curfew.
Another sex worker, who wished to remain anonymous, noted that some of her colleagues have been forced to share rooms due to the lack of customers during the protests.
She appealed to authorities to relax the curfew, stating that it had significantly hampered their ability to conduct business.
Moses John, a bar attendant, also told NAN that the curfew has had a devastating effect on business activities in Sabon Gari, with hotels and bars struggling to attract customers.
Kenneth John, a goat head (Esi Ewu) vendor on Aitken Road, lamented the negative impact on his business, noting that he had lost several heads of goats due to the lack of power supply during the curfew.
