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

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe spread and prevalence of COVID-19 in several countries had effected several parts of human relations, political governance and shuttered individual and corporate livelihoods. While works have being developed to provide understanding of the issues related to COVID-19 pandemic, the focus of such works has largely been on industrialised world, neglecting Africa. But undeniable is that the pandemic created new ways of social relations and affected economic well-being on the continent. Using online research survey instrument, the paper examined the effects of COVID-19 containment measures, its effects on social relations, and its effect on individual and household economy. All the 325 respondents, who were randomly selected from across the country to participate in the survey, returned the online questionnaire. Inferential and descriptive statistics were utilised for data analysis. Among others, the paper found that as a result of the COVID-19 induced social distancing and lockdown in Nigeria, economically, individual and household finances and income declined; and socially, Nigerians were separated from friends, families and colleagues, and were deprived of their social lifestyle, which were negative for their mental health. It concluded that COVID-19; and social distancing and lockdown had adverse effect on the social and economic life of Nigerians.KEYWORDS: COVID-19socio-economicsocial distancinglockdownNigeria Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).Consent to publish statementThe authors of this research hereby give full consent for the research findings to be published as presented in the manuscript.Informed consent from participantsParticipants for the online survey were randomly selected, and a statement of to confirm the interest of the participant to take part in the survey, or decline to take part, was attached to the survey. By agreeing to the statement, participants therefore, gave their consent to participate in the research.Limitation of the studyThis study is limited in that it does not focus specifically on the informal sector, artisan and students population who could have been more affected by the social distancing and lockdown policies during the pandemic. It therefore did not prioritise the collection of data from these groups. Future studies may be directed towards these special groups.Additional informationFundingThe authors received no funding for this research.Notes on contributorsHarrison Adewale IdowuHarrison Adewale Idowu, PhD, teaches Political Science at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria. His research interests are predominantly on democratisation and democracy; electoral politics; comparative studies; governance studies; and development studies. Dr Harrison has authored a number of articles in reputable local and international outlets, including chapter contributions in edited books. He has won several scholarships and fellowships, including local and international grants to attend and present his research findings at various conferences and symposia. He is a member of domestic and international professional bodies such as the National Political Science Association (NPSA); Development Studies Association (DSA); and AfricaLics, etc.Olugbemiga Samuel AfolabiOlugbemiga Samuel Afolabi is a professor of Political Science at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.