By Olalekan Adigun and Pwaveno Jerryman

The term “hookup,” once simply meaning “to meet,” has undergone a significant transformation in Nigeria, now encompassing various sexual activities and relationships. This contemporary definition ranges from sex without dating to no-strings-attached encounters, adopting names such as “friends with benefits,” “casual sex,” “booty call,” “recreational sex,” and “no strings attached.” Hookups can take place both online and offline, with online instances often involving the exchange of explicit photos and sexual videos. Offline encounters involve physical meetings for sexual activities, often with an agreed financial transaction, leading to the popular phrase “money for hand, back for ground.”

One prevalent colloquial term for these encounters in Yoruba culture is “Olosho.” It’s often characterized as a lucrative endeavor for those not seeking committed relationships, earning it the phrase “a serious business for unserious people.”

The link between individuals involved in hookup culture, often referred to as “hookup girls,” and internet fraudsters, known as “Yahoo boys,” is undeniable. These groups frequently patronize the same venues, including hotels, clubs, lounges, parties, and even public streets. The Nigerian government has made numerous attempts to combat both internet fraud and sex work, but the efforts have yet to yield a significant reduction in these activities. The issue is complex, requiring multifaceted strategies as many youths choose these activities over traditional employment opportunities. This preference is driven by the allure of quick financial gain; for example, a boy who can make a million naira through internet fraud may be hesitant to accept a job paying just 50,000 naira per month.

Abuja City Journal observed that in the Federal Capital Territory, “hook up” has become not only a vocation but full time occupation for many ladies between 18 and 25. Our reporter spoke to one of them who says she stays at Nyanya but regularly goes to Wuse “to work”. When pressed to disclose the nature of her work, she confessed it is “hook up”.

According to this lady who told our reporter her name is Angela, “I use to work at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) as an Admin Officer. I had to resign because the salary was nothing to write home about.”

Another lady who identifies herself as Queen narrated her story to our reporter at popular 046 Bar at Mararaba area. She said, “I use to work at a sales girl at Shawarma spot. One day, one of the customers at the bar approached me. He says he likes me and will want to spend the night with me. He gave me N15,000 for the night. This is my entire salary for the month as a sales girl.”

She said further, “I can’t do any other job except I’m well paid. Do you know how much I’ve been able to touch since I started hook up?”

Our reporters at Abuja City Journal said some “hook up” girls make up to N50,000 in a single night. This is more than the minimum wage of some salary earners in Abuja. Queen said, “Curbing these activities will demand serios miracle.”

Twitter surveys, monitored  by Abuja City Journal, indicate that roughly half of hookups among adolescents are one-time affairs, while others involve specific patrons. Surveys also highlight that many individuals participating in hookups are already in relationships, while others adhere to a strict no-strings-attached policy, focusing solely on their financial gain.

Apart from financial motives and promiscuity, another driving factor behind hookup culture is the pursuit of relevance. Some individuals seek to be in the company of influential people and flaunt the latest designer fashion. The notion of being wanted by an influential person holds immense significance for them. Some engage in hookups under the influence of alcohol and other substances. As described by an anonymous lady, she first participated in a one-night stand under the influence of alcohol and drugs, which led to subsequent encounters while inebriated, as she couldn’t engage in such activities in her right state of mind.

Yahoo boys are not the sole patrons of these encounters; politicians, sex-craving men, individuals with low self-esteem, people with psychological challenges, and lonely individuals are also frequent participants in hookup culture, often through dating sites. One of the most popular platforms for such meetings is Tinder, where people from different locations come together for various encounters.