Sola Benson

Veteran Nollywood actress Shaffy Bello has stirred widespread reactions following her comments on commercial sex work, where she suggested that women facing financial pressure should not be judged for their choices — but should also not remain in such situations long-term.

Speaking on a recent episode of The Moraya Show, Bello addressed what she described as difficult economic realities that push some young women into sex work, stressing that her position is not rooted in condemnation.

She said she does not judge those involved in commercial sex work and instead encourages them to approach life with self-respect, even in challenging circumstances.

“If what you are doing now is being a ‘runs girl’ to make money, you don’t have to stay there. I understand it, I never judge. If you go be ash*wo, do am well. Do it well with respect and your full-chest,” she said.

Bello, however, drew a firm line around permanence, warning against making it a long-term lifestyle.

“However, don’t stay there. If that is what you have to do right now to make a living.. Some girls are doing it because they need to feed mom, send their younger ones to school. I understand it. However, my darlings, don’t stay there,” she added.

Mixed reactions to her comments

Her remarks have since triggered heated debate online, with many interpreting her comments differently — some seeing them as a realistic acknowledgment of economic hardship, while others argue that her wording normalises and glamorises sex work.

The discussion reflects a broader, ongoing tension in Nigerian public discourse around survival strategies, morality, and economic inequality, especially among young women navigating financial pressure in an increasingly difficult economy.

For Bello, however, her message appears anchored in a blend of empathy and caution — recognising hardship while urging women to seek exit pathways from situations they may enter out of necessity.