Abstract
This paper appraises prostitution in Nigeria and considers whether it should be accepted as lawful commercial activity or seen as a social menace. The aim of this paper is to examine the laws which provide for the regulation or otherwise of prostitution. The paper takes a cursory look at the historical background of prostitution and notes attitudinal change in its acceptation. The paper examines classes of prostitutes. The paper examines the extent to which the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), the Criminal Procedure Code 2004 and the Penal Code 2004 provides for the administration of justice relative to prostitution. The paper also apprises the nature, forms, causes and challenges of prostitution in Nigeria. The paper considers some factors promoting and or disposing persons to participate in sex trade. The paper appraises prostitution as a commercial activity and considers the functionalist theory, social psychological theory and feminist theory of prostitution. The paper also appraises prostitution as a social menace with myriad negative impact on society. The paper concludes that lacuna exists in the legal framework dealing with prostitution in Nigeria and makes recommendations for better regulation of sex trade in Nigeria having found that it cannot be wished away or eradicated.