Lockdown As a Preventive Strategy Against COVID-19: Socioeconomic Implications on Nigerians
Background: Lockdown is a strategy employed worldwide to limit the spread of COVID-19. Social and economic activities were markedly affected in Nigeria and other parts of the world. The piece is a short communication to spotlight the social and economic implications of lockdown on Africans and other low- and middle-income countries, using Nigeria as a case study. Method: To analyze the documented evidence of social and economic events arising from lockdown strategy to combat spreading cases of COVID-19. Result: Creative potentials of so many Nigerians were brought to the limelight as a positive effect. Worsening security problems, corruption, poverty, and hunger were highlighted as negative socioeconomic effects of lockdown strategy on Nigerians. Conclusion: Lockdown impacts significantly on social and economic activities of Nigerians. Moderation and appropriate control of the strategy are suggested as “total lockdown” is not feasible in Nigeria.
Dr Ismaila Isiaka Alani, Dr Raji Saheed Olanrewaju