As the Nigerian health system contend with the global Coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19) with all her might and employing all available resources to tame this monster, her citizens continue to grapple with financial difficulties and negative public reactions to the existing lockdown all around the country.
While certain groups are yet to come to terms with the reality of the virus, the effect of the lockdown is enormous and cannot be hidden in the daily challenges people are faced with.
As the number of cases keep rising, the tendency to keep people away from their normal lives increases, it is indeed a clumsy situation while there is the need to reduce the spread of the virus and keep its damaging consequences in-check. On the other hand, most people desire normalcy is returned to the economy because most people are daily income earners and staying locked up without work means hunger.
It is a choice between the devil and the deep blue sea. Although, the federal and state governments distributed stimulus relief packages which have really failed to alleviate the plight of her citizens. Can this gesture be sustained with the free fall of crude price?
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Economic impact:
The number of cases keep increasing daily, with Lagos the financial hub of the country recording the highest numbers, there seem to be no end in sight to the lockdown, hence non-essential income generating businesses remain closed.
We suggest individuals and family should re-strategize and plan on how best to manage the limited cash they have at the moment. No one knows how long this might last; therefore people should limit their spending on less important activities. Furthermore, it is a good time to consider earning online as it seems the future of businesses.
Security Challenges:
Due to cessation of income generating activities, there has been an increase in criminal activities around neighbourhoods and deserted business environs, vehicles transporting food items intra and interstates have been hijacked and goods stolen.
At this difficult time, while security officers and agencies are on duty everyone should be conscious and mindful of activities around them, it is not the time for unwarranted visitation and partying. Kindly, adhere to security instructions around your neighbourhood.
Health Hazard:
Due to the sudden change in lifestyle caused by the pandemic that necessitated the government lockdown, people are confined to a small area, without engaging in sporting activities and sedentary lifestyle, the prevalence of health related condition is likely to increase post Covid-19 pandemic.
Overweight, Diabetes and hypertension, once considered a high-income country problem is now a prevalent problem in low-income countries as well. According to WHO “In Africa, the number of overweight children under the age of 5 has increased by nearly 50 percent since 2000”.
Managing health related issues post Covid-19 will be an avoidable burden to individuals and families, It will serve us better if we engage in indoor fun exercises while you maintain the social distancing, this will not only help maintain health but boost sleep.
In conclusion, as everyone desires normalcy be returned, so that people can resume their income generating businesses and work, it is worthwhile for entrepreneurs to consider channels to move their businesses to generate income online as this seem to be the future of the business world.
As I said earlier, we are between two difficult choices, the devastating effect of the pandemic and a lockdown with its attendant difficulties. In order to curtail the spread of the virus it would be imperative for every citizen to play their part in order to flatten the curve and put an end to the spread of the virus.
By maintaining personal hygiene, washing hands regularly with soap and water, sanitizing our hands and surfaces, wearing face mask and avoiding crowded places, these practices will limit the spread of the virus hence speed up the reopening of the economy.
However, let everyone in their little way assist the less privilege and sustain them while this ravaging monster runs its course.
Written by:
Uche Agba
