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

Abstract

ABSTRACT The 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.