A STUDY ON PROSTITUTION AMONG FEMALES IN HADEJIA METROPOLIS OF JIGAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examines prostitution in Hadejia Metropolis of Jigawa State, Nigeria, with the aim of understanding its nature, underlying causes, and socio-economic consequences. Despite numerous efforts by successive military and civilian administrations in Nigeria to curb prostitution through policy formulation and social interventions, the problem persists in many urban centres, including Hadejia. The study was guided by the Social Control Theory as advanced by Travis Hirschi (1969) and Jeremy Bentham (1748–1831), which emphasizes the role of social institutions and societal norms in regulating deviant behaviour.A mixed-method research design was adopted. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to selected respondents within Hadejia metropolis, while in-depth interviews were conducted withcommunity leaders and relevant stakeholders. Secondary data were obtained from academic literature, reports, and relevant documents. The quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistical techniques such as frequencies and percentages, while the qualitative data were analysed thematically to complement the survey findings.The findings of the study reveal that several socio-economic and family factors contribute significantly to the prevalence of prostitution in Hadejia metropolis. These include poverty, unemployment, parental neglect, broken homes, forced marriage, inadequate parental care, frustration arising from economic hardship, and peer group influence. The study further reveals that prostitution has significant social, health and economic implications, including the spread of sexually transmitted infections such as HIV/AIDS, moral decadence, increased crime rates, drug abuse and addiction, unwanted pregnancies, illegal abortion, premature death, and the rise of single motherhood.The study concludes that prostitution in Hadejia metropolis is largely driven by structural socio-economic challenges and weakened social control mechanisms within families and communities. It therefore recommends the enforcement of strict legal measures against prostitution, increased public awareness campaigns, poverty alleviation and empowerment programs, improved access to education, and stronger family and community support systems.