The Council For Affirmative Action (COFAA) West Africa

Executive Summary:

In Nigeria, sexual minority persons face severe economic hardships due to legal discrimination, social exclusion, and state-sanctioned violence. The criminalization of same-sex relationships, coupled with deep-seated societal stigma, limits access to employment, healthcare, housing, and social services. This policy brief explores the economic impact of these challenges and proposes strategies for promoting economic inclusion and empowerment for sexual minority persons in Nigeria.

Background:

Nigeria, a nation of over 230 million people, maintains some of the most repressive laws against LGBTQ persons globally. The Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act (SSMPA) of 2014 criminalizes same-sex unions, LGBTQ organizations, and public expressions of same-sex relationships. Under Shari’a law, practiced in twelve northern states, same-sex acts are punishable by death. These legal frameworks reinforce systemic discrimination, severely limiting economic opportunities for LGBTQ individuals.

Surveys indicate that up to 97% of Nigerians oppose homosexuality, with widespread negative public sentiment translating into workplace discrimination, social exclusion, and violence. Consequently, many LGBTQ persons struggle to secure stable employment, leading to increased poverty and economic marginalization.

Economic Challenges Faced by Nigeria’s LGBTQ Community:

1. Employment Discrimination: LGBTQ persons frequently face workplace discrimination, wrongful termination, and hiring biases. Many are forced into the informal sector, where job security and labor protections are minimal.
2. Housing Insecurity: LGBTQ individuals are often evicted from their homes due to their identity, leading to increased homelessness and financial instability.
3. Limited Access to Healthcare: Fear of discrimination prevents LGBTQ persons from accessing healthcare services, exacerbating health-related economic burdens.
4. Educational Barriers: Social stigma leads to bullying and exclusion in educational institutions, limiting access to quality education and skill acquisition necessary for economic advancement.
5. State-Sanctioned Violence and Harassment: Frequent arrests, blackmail, and police brutality create an atmosphere of fear and economic instability, as individuals are unable to freely engage in income-generating activities.

Policy Recommendations To address these economic challenges, the Nigerian government, civil society organizations, and international partners should implement the following measures:

Legal Reforms:

• Repeal the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act (SSMPA) and other discriminatory laws that criminalize LGBTQ identities and restrict economic participation.
  • Introduce anti-discrimination legislation protecting sexual minorities in employment, housing, and social services.

Economic Inclusion Initiatives:

• Establish economic empowerment programs tailored to LGBTQ persons, including vocational training, entrepreneurship funding, and microfinance opportunities.
  • Encourage inclusive corporate policies through incentives for businesses that adopt non-discriminatory hiring practices.

Social Protection Mechanisms:

• Develop emergency shelter programs and housing assistance for LGBTQ individuals facing eviction or homelessness.
  • Implement health insurance schemes and community-based healthcare services that ensure non-discriminatory access.

Community and International Support:

• Strengthen partnerships between LGBTQ organizations, human rights groups, and international agencies to advocate for policy reforms.
  • Support asylum programs for LGBTQ persons facing life-threatening persecution in Nigeria.

Public Awareness and Sensitization Campaigns:

• Launch nationwide campaigns to challenge homophobic stereotypes and promote social acceptance.
  • Integrate LGBTQ rights awareness into educational curricula and workplace diversity programs.

Conclusion The economic marginalization of LGBTQ persons in Nigeria is a direct consequence of systemic discrimination and legal oppression. Addressing these issues requires a multi-pronged approach involving legal reforms, economic empowerment programs, and public awareness campaigns. Through fostering an inclusive society, Nigeria can harness the potential of all its citizens, ensuring economic growth and human rights for all.

Call to Action The National Human Rights Commission, civil society organizations, and international partners must collaborate to implement these policy recommendations. Immediate action is necessary to protect LGBTQ persons from economic exclusion and ensure their right to participate in the nation’s development without fear of persecution.

For Further Information:

Mbami Iliya Sabka (He/His/Him)
Fellow, Osumera Leadership Fellowship (OLF) 2025
Executive Director, Council For Affirmative Action (COFAA)