Unpacking Nigeria’s COVID-19 strategy

Nigeria, with over 11,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases, is navigating the delicate balance between saving lives and protecting livelihoods as the country continues to ease COVID-19 restrictions. Kyari Bukar, Former Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, outlined some key concerns and recommendations during a recent interview on CNBC Africa. One key emphasis he made was the need to prioritize protecting the lives of citizens by promoting public health measures such as wearing masks, social distancing, and hand hygiene. Drawing lessons from countries like Hong Kong and Japan, Bukar highlighted the importance of avoiding 'three Cs' - closed spaces, crowded places, and close contacts, to flatten the curve of infections. He stressed the significance of consistent communication and urged people to refrain from unnecessary travel to prevent a surge in cases as interstate travel and domestic flights are set to resume. While Nigeria moves towards lifting travel restrictions, Bukar acknowledged the inadequacies in the country's healthcare system and testing capacity, pointing out the need for more robust measures to handle a potential spike in cases. With concerns about the industrial economy, particularly the oil and gas sector, facing challenges due to plummeting oil prices and the impending recession, Bukar discussed the implications of lifting the fuel subsidy and the economic impact of the pandemic. He noted the devastating effects on various sectors like travel and hospitality, leading to job losses and reduced economic activity. In response to the economic strain, Bukar highlighted the government's efforts to boost the economy through monetary and fiscal measures, including borrowing and reducing the monetary policy rate to stimulate economic growth. While acknowledging the risk of inflation, he emphasized the importance of maintaining some level of economic activity to prevent a deeper crisis. In the face of economic hardship, Bukar highlighted the role of communities and individuals in supporting those in need, particularly in a country like Nigeria where cultural norms and community solidarity play a significant role in providing assistance to the vulnerable. As Nigeria grapples with the dual challenges of rising COVID-19 cases and economic strain, the road ahead remains uncertain. The government faces the daunting task of balancing public health concerns with economic stability, while citizens navigate the new normal of living with the threat of the virus. With ongoing efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 and support the economy, stakeholders will need to work together to safeguard the well-being of the population and steer the country towards recovery.