Post COVID-19, Moving Forward -By Kede Aihie

The first week of January 2021, has seen a dramatic rise in the second wave of infections, in the United States, UK, South Africa, Nigeria, and other countries around the globe. Africa has to a large extent, recorded low infection and deaths, and expectedly, complacency seems to be creeping in. We are beginning to see a rise in Nigeria. This is putting to test, the state of infrastructure in both developed and developing nations.

Post COVID-19 recovery, should focus on healthcare, technology, and education. With the availability of vaccines, the biggest challenge is distribution. In developed countries, schools have been closed, yet there seem to be issues with the availability of laptops for underprivileged children. Online teaching and Homeworking are also being normalised. In developing countries, online learning is yet to get a proper look in.

The socio-economic impact in developing countries has caused unemployment, economic hardship for a large section of those in the informal sector of the economy. Beyond managing the pandemic, it is important that governments in developing countries, like Nigeria, take proactive steps in formulating effective policies for the post Covid-19 era. There must be a focus on human beings, after all, most people, in developing countries, poverty, hunger, and poor medical care, are inflicting death on poor people than the pandemic.

According to a report in 2019, Africa’s population is set to double from 1.2 billion people over the next 30 years, adding an additional 1billion people. With the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCTA’s commencement of trade, from January, it has become imperative, for Nigeria to take a leadership role, in policy formulation for critical sectors in post COVID-19 world.

The current lackadaisical approach to tackling issues is not fit for purpose and requires fundamental changes. The first challenge is addressing the mindset issue. Why have most people in Nigeria, refused to take precautions and adhere to COVID-19 protocols.

Perhaps, the government should set up a Behaviour unit, comprising of experts, to nudge citizens to take the science of Covid-19 more seriously. Social media has been used by conspiracy theorists to spread misinformation, about COVID-19 and the newly introduced vaccines.

Another area government must look into, is Budget review.  The World Health Organisation, WHO has committed itself to monitor the number of countries that achieve a list of 12 indicators that include, among others: socio-economic conditions (e.g. per capita GDP greater than $500, literacy for men and women higher than 70%), health outcomes (e.g. infant mortality below 50 per 1000), and inputs (e.g. share of the population).  Nigeria is a failure on virtually all these indices.

To reverse the above trend, there should be an increased allocation and judicious use of resources for healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Nigeria is trapped in commodity importation dependence. Though a major crude oil producer, it does not process the commodity locally. It does not even produce other essential consumables locally. Nigeria is running an import-based economy and a major reason for the weakness of its currency and lopsided balance of payment relative to its trading partners.  Until Nigeria, gets its priority and leadership skills right, the post Covid-19 recovery will remain problematic.

Kede Aihie Esq, is Chair of Nigeria Business Magazine