FG: Sex Workers Will Be Taxed Under New Fiscal Laws – Oyedele
The Federal Government has clarified that commercial sex workers, popularly known as “runs girls,” will be required to pay taxes under Nigeria’s reformed fiscal framework.
Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, made this known during an engagement session at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, City of David, Lagos.
According to Oyedele, the new tax laws do not discriminate between legal and illegal sources of income. He explained that once money is earned from a service or sale of goods, it automatically falls under taxable income.
“If someone is engaged in runs, offering sexual services in exchange for money, that is considered a service. They are expected to pay tax on it,” he said.
Oyedele, however, clarified that money sent to family, friends, or even strangers without any service rendered would not be taxed, as such transfers are regarded as gifts.
He noted: “If you earn income and decide to support your cousin, sibling, or even a stranger, it doesn’t matter the amount; as long as it is not in exchange for a service or goods, it is classified as a non-exchange transaction, and it is not taxable.”
The reforms, he added, are contained in the recently introduced Nigeria Tax Act, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act.
