Lockdown As a Preventive Strategy Against COVID-19: Socioeconomic Implications on Nigerians

Abstract

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.