Socio-economic Activities and COVID-19 Outbreak: Experience from Low-income Families in Enugu and Ebonyi States, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined socio-economic activities and COVID-19 outbreak amongst low-income families in Enugu and Ebonyi States, Nigeria. following the outbreak of COVID-19 and its spread, Nigeria queued into international health mitigation standard to enforce compulsory stay at home, social distancing, constant washing of hands, use of hand sanitizers, closure of schools and public places, and border closures to contain the spread of the virus. The study employed survey research design whereby 42 respondents were selected purposively from Enugu and Ebonyi States of Nigeria. Interviews were administered on the respondents. Findings show that COVID-19 pandemic had destructive effects on socio-economic wellbeing of low-income families in Nigeria, ranging from job loss, increase in poverty level, increase in food insecurity, increase in violence, high cost of living, and lack of adequate social security. This study recommends that the Nigerian government should be proactive in drafting and implementing effective social security that will recognize the rights of every Nigerian and also guarantee social benefits to people in time of tragedy. More so, investing in health, social, and economic infrastructures is germane.