COVID-19 and socio-economic impact of lockdown and social distancing in Nigeria

Abstract

The spread and prevalence of COVID-19 in several countries has impacted human relations and political governance and shattered individual and corporate livelihoods. While research is being done to provide understanding of the issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the focus of such work has largely been on the industrialised world, neglecting Africa. However, it is undeniable that the pandemic has created new ways of social relations and has affected economic well-being on the continent. The economic impact has seen the naira devalued, budget cuts and household increased poverty rate. Using an online survey instrument to gauge and examine the views of Nigerians in selected states on social and economic impacts of COVID-19, the paper attempts to provide answers to the impacts of COVID-19 containment measures, their effects on social relations, and their impact on individual and household economy. Inferential and descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. The paper found a generally high and adverse socio-economic effect of COVID-19 on Nigerians especially in relation to low purchasing power, reduction in social ties and bonding. It concludes that measures to contain COVID-19 like social distancing and lockdown would continue to adversely affect the finances and income of Nigerians, their relationship with friends and families and their social lives if the pandemic persists.