Adult Content Creation: Where there is demand, there will be supply

An article published in a Saturday Punch column titled, “Desperate Nigerian Girls Turn to Selling Nudes for Cash,” by Victor Ayeni was fraught with veiled misogyny, dehumanization, and a clear breach of journalistic ethics and integrity.

Ayeni wrote, “Amidst Nigeria’s harsh economic climate, an alarming number of youths have turned to selling explicit content on various social media platforms, often disregarding the far-reaching consequences of their actions.”

This statement implies that women engaging in consensual adult entertainment are ignoring the potential consequences of their actions, as though they are not adults capable of making independent choices about their bodies.

Copyright Violations
The article fails to address a significant issue: the violation of copyright and privacy. The writer profited from accessing and describing the private accounts of these women without their consent. Some may argue that the content was already in the public domain and therefore falls under “fair use.” However, the copyright of creative work remains with the creators, whose intellectual property rights deserve respect.

The Rise of Content Creation Platforms
Rather than referring to these women as “desperate,” the article could have acknowledged them as content creators and entrepreneurs. Platforms like Patreon, TikTok, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter) empower creators to monetize their work. Similarly, platforms like All Access Fans and OnlyFans enable individuals to profit from their intellectual property and build sustainable careers.

These platforms do not merely provide financial opportunities; they also offer creators security and a sense of community. In the era of content creation, it is reductive to single out adult content creators for moral scrutiny when creators across various niches monetize their work in similar ways.

Empowerment and Financial Independence
The pandemic transformed content creation, including virtual adult entertainment, into a billion-dollar industry. According to *Statista*, as of August 2022, some of the highest-earning accounts on OnlyFans were musicians like Bhad Bhabie and Cardi B, earning $59.8 million and $46.7 million, respectively. Non-musician Blac Chyna earned $39.3 million.

Closer to home, creators on African platforms like All Access have shared stories of empowerment and financial independence. One creator noted how earnings from content creation helped her move out, pay for tuition, and support her family. Another recounted assisting her mother with a pressing financial need, demonstrating how this work changes lives.

Freedom of Choice and Bodily Autonomy
These women are exercising their rights to body autonomy and freedom of choice. They are of legal age and sharing content with consenting adults. Selling adult content, as long as it involves consenting adults and not minors, is not illegal under Nigerian law.

Section 23 of the *Cybercrimes Act 2015* criminalizes child pornography, while Section 24 addresses offenses like blackmail or sending unsolicited pornographic content. The law does not criminalize consensual adult content creation or distribution.

Therefore, the article in *The Punch* misguidedly focused on the creators, while it is those who share such content without consent who are liable under the law.

A Shift in Perspective
Rather than perpetuating villainous and misogynistic narratives, it is important to respect the diversity of human expression and recognize the agency of these creators. Moving beyond moralistic judgments fosters a more inclusive and understanding society.

Content creation, including adult entertainment, is a legitimate means of income that empowers individuals to improve their lives. It is time to challenge outdated norms and embrace a more nuanced and respectful view of this evolving industry.