Economic Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Households in Nigeria

Fatoye, Francis ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7976-2013, Gebrye, Tadesse ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7976-2013, Arije, Olujide, Fatoye, Clara, Onigbinde, Omotola and Mbada, Chidozie (2022) Economic Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Households in Nigeria. [Conference or Workshop Item]

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Abstract

Background: This study evaluated the economic impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on individuals and households in Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was used to collect data. Nigerian citizens who were domiciled or restricted from travelling abroad for no less than one month since the COVID-19 restrictions and lockdown were recruited into the study through focal persons purposively selected across the different states in Nigeria. Using WhatsApp® platform, the respondents completed the survey on household income and expenditure before and during the lockdown. Economic burden of COVID-19 lockdown on individuals and families was estimated using a prevalence-based cost of illness approach. Results: Four hundred and four (Male = 242; Female = 162) individuals have participated in the study. The mean (SD) age of the respondents was 30.98 (10.92) years. There was difference in mean (SD) monthly income before and during the lockdown (₦263389.27 (USD690.4) (SD ₦2589649.2)) vs. (₦207704.9 (USD544.4) (SD ₦1846806.84)). The overall household expenditure before and during the lockdown periods were USD 320 and USD 290. The total mean monthly costs for COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 health related problems were ₦11746.25 (USD30.79) and ₦11784.9 (USD 30.89). Household expenditure for hand sanitizers, facemasks, hand gloves, and disinfectants increased significantly during the COVID-19 restriction lockdown (p < 0.05). However, expenditure on education, water, electricity, fuel, internet data, clothing and wears, toiletries decreased significantly during the lockdown period (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study suggest that the costs of continuing COVID-19 restrictions could have huge economic consequences on households and health system.