COVID-19 ERA IN NIGERIA: A GLOBAL

EMERGENCY THAT NEEDS A HUMANITARIAN

APPROACH TO CONTAIN

By: Killi Nancwat (2020)

I sincerely applaud these well-meaning Nigerians, organisations, companies and

institutions such as Aliko Dangote, Femi Otedola, Tony Elumelu, Innocent Idibia, Bola
Tinibu, Atiku Abubakar, Mike Adenuga, UBA, GTB, NNPC, etc. for their unalloyed
financial support towards cushioning the negative effect of this ravaging and deathly
COVID 19 pandemic.

However, a fundamental observation is whether these benevolent funds would be

utilized judiciously and adequately distributed to all and sundry in need during this trial
period?

Considering the lock down, isolation and stay-at-home policies in most part of the
country restricting the free movement of citizens, an effective way to ensure an all-
round distribution of relief materials and other fiscal incentives to the door steps of
citizens is for the Federal Government and State Governments to engage Electricity
Distribution Companies' (NEPA) outdoor staff. For many years now, they have proved
that they are worthy of such task as they hardly miss the house of any Nigerian when
distributing their monthly electricity bills. Thus, I am very optimistic they will not miss
any Nigerian when distributing these relief materials.

I must also note that the responsibility of fighting coronavirus is not that of the
Government alone; all hands (individuals, firms, organisations, agencies and companies)
must be on deck to ensure we survive this daunting moment in the history of mankind.
Thus, I kindly recommend that these palliative measures should be taken:

1. The Federal Government should pay reasonable allowance (monthly stipends) to

every citizen to prevent the untimely death of so many Nigerians as a result of hunger.
The Bank Verification Number (BVN) connected to our bank accounts can be used to
ensure a fair and speedy payment of the monthly stipends.

2. Telecommunication companies (MTN, Glo, 9Mobile and Airtel) should reduce their
charges for mobile data and calls.
3. Cable TV companies such as DSTV, GoTV, Startimes, etc. should cut down their
subscription fee with a 50% discount.

4. Nigerians who are financially buoyant should extend a hand of support to their
neighbours who cannot afford to feed their families. A tuber of yam, a measure of rice,
a bottle of palm oil, etc. is not too small to alleviate the hardship.

5. Grocery stores, supermarkets and petty traders should stop hiking prizes of foodstuffs.
This is inhumane.

6. Manufacturers of consumable goods (foodstuffs) should sell it at a discounted rate to

wholesalers to enable the common man on the street have access to these basic needs
(food and water).

7. Landlords should for now suspend the collection of house rent, most especially for
weekly tenants, monthly tenants and yearly tenants whose rents are due for renewal.

8. Transport workers should stop hiking fares. This is inhumane.

9. Manufacturers of protective medical items such as nose masks and hand sanitizers
should produce it in large quantities and supply at low prizes to ensure that even persons
who are destitute can afford to purchase it.

10. Employers should not forget about their employees just because they are at home
and no longer generating income. Make provision for some reasonable allowance time
to time to support your employees, even if it is just 10% of their expected monthly
salary or wages.

11. Beloved citizens, obey constituted authorities and observe all precautionary
measures to ensure your safety. This will also assist the government in curbing this
COVID-19 menace.

12. Let us keep praying for our health workers and military personnel who are risking
their lives and working tirelessly to ensure our safety.

13. We must do away with all forms of religious, ethnic and political sentiments and
stand firm as one Nigeria.

Dear Nigerians, this is not a time to make exorbitant profit or engage in unnecessary
acrimony, but a time to show our human nature and salvage our existence on earth.
People need to be alive to patronise your business or services in the future.

I must say without mincing words that, at this unprecedented trial moment, everyone
needs to be less selfish and more selfless.

Together we can.

God bless Nigeria.