Press release
How Lagos people's lives been impacted under lockdown?
Report of Survey on Life Situation Under Corona in Nigeria
April 24, 2020
Africa Business Partners
https://africabusinesspartners.com/
contactus@abp.co.jp

How have Africans' lives being impacted, and how are they coping through these Corona crises?
Africa Business Partners conducted a survey in Nigeria (Lagos) and Kenya (Nairobi) through its
online survey system. Here is the result.

This survey was conducted beginning April 13th, when a 2-week extension to the lockdown ineffect since March 30th (implementing a stay-at-home order and a travel ban) over Lagos, Abuja,and Ogun state was announced. Respondents are mainly residents of the Lagos, and Abuja, andOgun states as well, who were subjected to the lockdown.

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At the start of this survey, Lagosians had been under 2 weeks of complete lockdown. Outings are
only allowed to nearby grocery stores for essential items. Despite the inconvenience and theimpact on personal and professional lives, 31% of respondents answered that the government’sinfection control measures were very effective, while 37% judged them to be fairly effective,indicating a relatively high level of satisfaction.
For background, Nigeria confirmed its first case on February 27th, and by Saturday—just two days
later—the NCDC moved to announce countermeasures. Back in 2014, when the Ebola virus spreadto West Africa, Nigeria was able to successfully contain the virus despite confirmed positive cases.

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The next question is on measures Lagosians are doing to avoid contracting.
Out of the respondents, 85% answered that they wash their hands more frequently, and 84% areavoiding crowds. Nearly half are refraining from going outside entirely. Perhaps due to thefrequent public awareness campaigns about misinformation and fake news, 55% are making
conscious efforts to stay aware. Due to the lockdown in place, face mask usage remains relatively
low compared with other countries.

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Though many hold a positive view on the infection control measure, they are highly unsatisfied
with the economic measures. In fact, 56% responded that the measures are highly inadequate. This
indicates a high level of dissatisfaction across the board, regardless of income levels.

Over 30% reported that their entire household income has dropped to zero. Many of those whoare employed have been able to maintain their income, but the majority of self-employed workers
and casual workers are completely unable to work due to the lockdown.
Interesting, few respondents reported a rise in their income. Africa Business Partners separately
surveyed manufacturers in Lagos, and some companies indicated a revenue growth despite thelockdown, demonstrating that some have creatively adapted to the situation for business
continuity.
In contrast to Kenya, Africa Business Partners conducted the same research, where contracting thevirus was the top concern at over 70%, Nigerians are more worried about the negative impacts on4

the country’s economy and public security. 59% are also concerned over “lack of food, water, andelectricity”.

5Online banking was the top choice as something that Nigerians either began to use, or began touse more of, due to the coronavirus.
Given the complete lockdown, it’s unsurprising that nearly 70% responded that their use of online
communication tools such as WhatsApp has increased. The high rate for TV and online show is oneof the unique features in Nigeria where the top original source of contents in Africa such as
dramas and Bollywood movies.
The cultural emphasis on education shines through here as well, with 41% reporting a rise in online
education.

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Looking forward to May, the proportion answering that the situation will be “largely resolved” isnot as high as Kenya, but over half answered that it will be “better than the current situation”.
Many are likely envisioning that the lockdown will end and life will slowly return to normal.

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The respondents of this survey meet the following two criteria: own a smartphone or anotherdevice with internet connection; ability to read English. 45% reported household monthly incomesof N75,000 or below. The majority are in their 20s and 30s, and given that the median age ofNigerians is 18.1 and that the 20s-and-above demographic constitutes 64% of the population, it
can safely be said that they are amongst the majority.

Survey overview
Methodology: Online survey of panels (members) via the Africa Business Partners survey system.
Area: Lockdown area of Lagos, Abuja, and Ogun states
Sample size: 93 ss
Period: April 13, 2020 - April 14, 2020
Copyright is reserved by Africa Business Partners. Please provide source attribution as"Africa Business Partners" when you refer.
Africa Business Partners
Africa Business Partners is incorporated in 2012 in Japan to support and advice for businessexpansion between Japan and Africa. The company has its companies/partners in Kenya, Nigeria,
Cote d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, and South Africa. The company provides business matching, sales andmarketing, advisory services for M&A, and investment support to African, Japanese and otherinternational companies for their business growth in Africa.

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