CIRD-JEESE-20-0506 Final

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Journal of Environment, Earth Sciences and Ecology Vol.02, No.03; July – September-2020 p –ISSN (7304 – 490X); ISSN (2202 – 3011) Impact factor: 0.00

COMPLIANCE WITH COVID-19 PREVENTIVE MEASURES: TOWARDS ACHIEVEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY IN NIGERIA

Okafor, Benedicta Njideka Department of Environmental Management, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria. Abstract: Many countries across the globe, are facing unparalleled challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nigeria and her people are no exception. No economy is spared from the fall-out from COVID-19 outbreak. With the expected reduction in government revenues and an unprecedented rise in the need for a better healthcare system in the country to respond to the COVID-19 crisis, the Federal Government will have to make changes to the infrastructure commitments allocated in the 2020 Budget. The management of the economy, addressing of unemployment, and keeping of commitments to both local and foreign creditors will be a major priority. However, it is encouraging to see that the likes of IMF and World Bank which are multi-lateral agencies have started conversations on debt relief and management system for emerging economies, which will act as a cushion to the impact of the projected recession. Likewise, the impact of COVID-19 on small-medium enterprises are expected to be severe. Hence the need for ﬁscal measures and policy response aimed at supporting businesses and households to survive the crisis which will in turn promote socio-economic sustainability. Keyword: Compliance with Covid-19, Preventive Measures, Achievement of Environmental, Socio-Economic Sustainability and Nigeria

1. Introduction SARS) a contagious respiratory illness transmitted through The novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) was first identified in the eyes, nose, and mouth, via droplets from sneezes and Wuhan China in December 2019 and has rapidly spread to coughs, contaminated surfaces, close or direct contact with almost every region of the world. This disease is caused by infected person. It has an incubation period in the host of a new but severe type of Coronavirus known as approximately one to fourteen days. The symptoms SARSCoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome include cough, dyspnea (shortness of breath) and fever coronavirus 2) (Qian, et al., 2020). It has been established which can be diagnosed through a laboratory test. The that this infection has no immediate treatment or vaccine, contagion could result in severe respiratory problems or and according to World Health Organization (WHO, 2020) death, predominantly among the elderly and persons with it has become a worldwide pandemic causing substantial underlying chronic illnesses. While Some infected persons morbidity and mortality. COVID-19 is from the family of are carriers of the virus and exhibit no symptoms at all, Coronavirus (others include H1N1, MERS, H5N1 and others experience only a few symptoms or mild illness then

Journal of Environment, Earth Sciences and Ecology An official Publication of Center for International Research Development Double Blind Peer and Editorial Review International Referred Journal; Globally index Available www.cird.online/JEESE: E-mail: [email protected] pg. 17 Journal of Environment, Earth Sciences and Ecology Vol.02, No.03; July – September-2020 p –ISSN (7304 – 490X); ISSN (2202 – 3011) Impact factor: 0.00 recover easily (Sauer, 2020). Currently, there is no Aim and Objective of the study vaccine, treatment or cure for the COVID-19; medical Aim of the study officials are limited to the use of supportive measures The aim of this study is to ascertain the level of which aid to relieve symptoms and also, use of various Compliance with Covid-19 Preventive Measures: therapeutics and research drugs ( NCDC, 2020) On the Towards Achievement of Environmental and Socio- 27th of February, 2020, an Italian citizen became the first Economic Sustainability in Nigeria. case for COVID-19 in Nigeria (Effiong, et al. 2020) and Objective of the study to stop the spread of the virus, government agencies and The objectives of the study are to; civil societies embarked on enlightenment campaigns on i. To ascertain government fiscal policy toward the importance of social distancing and good hygiene. the achievement of socio-Economic Temperature screening was conducted at airports and those Sustainability with COVID-19 lockdown. returning from countries with a high number of confirmed ii. Examine how the government fiscal policy cases of COVID-19 were implored and encouraged to self- has equip the healthcare system in providing isolate. The NCDC in association with State governments effective response to effect citizens of also began the tracing and tracking of possible COVID-19. victims(host) and those they came in contacts with. iii. Investigate the prevention measure the Statement of the problem government put in place to stop the spread of The rapid spread of corona virus across the world is the Coronavirus (COVID-19). major challenge the entire world is facing. Every country 2. Implementation of Covid-19 Preventive Measures in that has experience corona virus (COVID-19) pandemic Nigeria are all facing economic problem. Nigeria as a nation is In Nigeria, Two tiers of the government (federal and state facing serious economic problem, nothing is moving, governments) began taking proactive steps to curtail the everywhere has been lockdown. No vaccine for the spread of coronavirus (covid-19) throughout the country. treatment of covid-19 at the moment. The poor are more Whilst the number of confirmed cases steadily increased, suffering and the coronavirus keep on spreading, things are lockdown and movement restrictions were established to becoming more difficult. Price of goods and servicing are adequately respond to the outbreak. On the 18th of march, becoming more expensive in the market and many persons 2020, the Federal Ministry of Health, in collaboration with are losing their job. What measure the government is the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), initiated putting in place to stop the spread of coronavirus, to make an Emergency Operations Centre of the highest level. A things easy for the people more specially the poor who are Rapid Response Team was deployed to provide support to suffering the more. What measure the government is the affected States with response activities. Five putting in place to equipped the healthcare system in order laboratories from NCDC’s molecular laboratory system to provide an effective response to those living with covid- with the capability and capacity to test for the virus were 19. This study assesses the Compliance with Covid-19 established. These laboratories were well equipped with Preventive Measures: Towards Achievement of appropraite reagents and adequate supplies needed to begin Environmental and Socio-Economic Sustainability in testing. Nigeria. The Federal Government restricted/banned entry into the country (Nigeria) for travelers from this high incidence countries; China, Italy, Norway, South Korea, Germany, Journal of Environment, Earth Sciences and Ecology An official Publication of Center for International Research Development Double Blind Peer and Editorial Review International Referred Journal; Globally index Available www.cird.online/JEESE: E-mail: [email protected] pg. 18 Journal of Environment, Earth Sciences and Ecology Vol.02, No.03; July – September-2020 p –ISSN (7304 – 490X); ISSN (2202 – 3011) Impact factor: 0.00

Japan, France, Spain, United States of America, workers in Lagos state were exempted as well. The Netherlands, United Kingdom and Switzerland. This President also remarked on the government’s efforts to restriction became effective from the 21st of March 2020 provide and distribute relief materials to states and for an initial testing period of four weeks. Those mentioned communities who will be affected by the lockdown above were the countries with above 1,000 domestic cases restrictions. at the time. Also, The Federal Government suspended the On the 30th of March, 2020, the President signed the on arrival issuing of visa to travelers from these countries “Federal Government’s COVID-19 Regulations of 2020” (Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, 2020) which declared coronavirus (COVID-19) a dangerous, The Nigerian President, on the 29th March, 2020, infectious disease and granted a legal basis to this directive addressed the nation to relay the efforts made by the stated and announced in the President’s address. The government to curb the spread of virus (COVID-19) within Regulations further instituted a moratorium on loans and the country. In his address, he directed a cease of all grants executed through Bank of agriculture, Bank of movements in the Federal capital territory, Lagos State and industry and the Nigeria Export Import Bank. Financial Ogun State for an initial testing period of fourteen (14) and money markets were included in those exempted from days. Although, the lockdown in Ogun State was the lockdown restrictions in order for them to easily run postponed until the 3rd of April 2020, lockdown in Lagos skeletal services needed and allow Nigerian citizens access and Abuja was began on the 30th of March 2020. The and contact to online banking services. Critical staff lockdown was to enable the government to track and stop members of the CBN, the Nigeria Interbank Settlement the spread of COVID-19 within these areas. Citizens in System (NIBSS), payment solution providers, mobile these states were directed and encouraged to remain within money operators and deposit money banks were also their homes during the lockdown. Inter-state travel to and exempted from the lockdown restrictions (Brooks Knights, from these states was banned, all offices and businesses 2020). within these states fully closed throughout the lockdown The president announced on the13th of April, 2020 that the period. lockdown, that began March 30 in Lagos state, Ogun state, Certain essential businesses were exempted from and Abuja, would be extended for another 14 days. Then observing the lockdown restrictions specifically those on the 12th of April several other state governments, providing basic, health related and essential goods and including Rivers, Kaduna, and Ekiti, have also initiated full services, especially hospitals and other related medical or partial lockdowns. (Human Rights Watch, 2020). After establishments. Also, organizations in healthcare related a month-long, the president Buhari on the 27th of April manufacturing and distribution, commercial and public announced the commencement of a phased and gradual establishments involved in food processing, production, easing of lockdown measures in Ogun, Abuja and Lagos distribution, and retail companies, petroleum packaging, states from the 4th of May, 2020. The new response distribution and retail bodies, power generation, approach, the president claimed, was due to the heavy management, transmission, distribution and redistribution economic cost of the lockdown and the need to balance the companies and private security companies. The exemption need to protect health while also preserving livelihoods. was also extended to employees in telecommunication The new measures include: interstate travel bans, companies, print and electronic media employees, mandatory use of face masks and a curfew from 8 pm to 6 broadcasters who are able to verify and prove they are am. Existing restrictions on large social and religious unable to perform their duties from their homes. Seaports gatherings remained in place (Kazeem, 2020). Journal of Environment, Earth Sciences and Ecology An official Publication of Center for International Research Development Double Blind Peer and Editorial Review International Referred Journal; Globally index Available www.cird.online/JEESE: E-mail: [email protected] pg. 19 Journal of Environment, Earth Sciences and Ecology Vol.02, No.03; July – September-2020 p –ISSN (7304 – 490X); ISSN (2202 – 3011) Impact factor: 0.00

3. Response to The Covid-19 Pandemic Towards not retrench any staff between 1 March and 31 Achieving Socio-Economic Sustainability in Nigeria December 2020 would be entitled to a rebate of The negative effect of COVID-19 on the economy in 50% of the personal income tax due or paid. It is Nigeria are as a consequence of the lockdown of the important to note that this relief still applies in country especially major states like Lagos, Ogun, Abuja cases of death from natural causes, voluntarily and Kano lead to severe economic loss particularly for resignation or dismissal for breach of the daily income earners and small-medium scale businesses. provisions of the Labor Act, 2004. With, the Withdrawal of money and investments by investors from exception of companies engaged in petroleum the stock market and fall in oil prices (Ozili, 2020) has had operations who are liable to pay tax under the a major effect on the global economy, the impact of the provisions of Petroleum Profits Tax Act. pandemic cannot be overemphasized (Mckibbin and 2. Deferral of residential mortgage obligations: The Fernando, 2020) because it could lead to huge external Stimulus Bill offers postponement on mortgage debt of any country. Thankfully, the policy responses put debts and obligations due for payment to the in place by different entities in the country are all aimed Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) on toward socio-economic sustainability. residential mortgages attained by individual 3.1 States Responses contributors to the NHF (National Housing Fund) Many states restricted inter-state travel to curtail the spread for 180 days. of the virus. Large and functioning markets in many states 3. Import duty waiver on selected goods: Import duty were closed down or restricted to opening at specific hours waiver was proposed for medicine/ treatment, to enable state agencies to disinfect the spaces used. Some medical equipment, personal protection state governments such as Lagos State undertook more equipment and any other medical necessities severe measures such as instituting curfews. Using his required for the treatment and management of authority under the State’s Public Health Law and the COVID-19 in Nigeria. Federal Quarantine Act, Q2 LFN 2004, Lagos State 3.3 CBN Policy Measures Governor issued the Lagos State Infectious Diseases On March 16, 2020, in the wake of the plunge in (Emergency Prevention) Regulations 2020 (Brooks international oil prices and the COVID-19 outbreak, the Knights, 2020). This measure went along way in helping CBN, in a bid to preserve the stability of the Nigerian to limit and curtail the spread of the virus and in turn financial market, introduced some policy measures via a reduced the state government spending cost on covid-19 circular, titled “CBN Policy Measures in response to treatment facilities and testing kits. COVID-19 Outbreak and Spillovers” and referenced: 3.2 Emergency Economic Stimulus Bill 2020 FPR/DIR/GEN/CIR/07/049, which makes provision for The Federal Government of Nigeria submitted an the following: Emergency Economic Stimulus Bill 2020 (“Stimulus 1. The extension of moratorium for all CBN Bill”) to the National Assembly as a means to mitigate the intervention facilities: All CBN intervention adverse and negative effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on facilities were hereby granted an additional one (1) Nigerians and the economy. The Stimulus Bill provides for year on all principal repayments effective march measures aimed at the following: 1st,2020. This means all financial institution with 1. Staff retention tax rebate: Organizations and any intervention loan that was currently under establishments that retain their employees and did moratorium were granted additional period of one Journal of Environment, Earth Sciences and Ecology An official Publication of Center for International Research Development Double Blind Peer and Editorial Review International Referred Journal; Globally index Available www.cird.online/JEESE: E-mail: [email protected] pg. 20 Journal of Environment, Earth Sciences and Ecology Vol.02, No.03; July – September-2020 p –ISSN (7304 – 490X); ISSN (2202 – 3011) Impact factor: 0.00

year and in effect these financial institutions were consequences of the COVID-19 on the financial to make available new amortization schedules. system, the central bank of Nigeria would further 2. Interest rate reduction: The interest rates on all support the industry funding and grants levels in applicable intervention facilities of CBN were order to conserve the capacity of DMBs to hereby reduced from 9% to 5% per annum, continue to extend longer-tenured credits and low- Effective from the 1st of march, 2020. Which interest to households (Jackson, Etti and Edu, means that interest rate on all grants and 2020). intervention from CBN has been cut from 9% to 7. The CBN is also coordinating a private sector 5%. special intervention initiative targeting N120 3. Creation of a N50 Billion Targeted Credit Facility: billion ($333 million) which will be used in the Fifty-Billion-Naira (N50) facility was established fight against COVID-19. As of the 16th of April, to provide backing for targeted sectors in the N42.6 billion was received and $50 million grant economy most especially households and micro, from the European Union. (INTERNATIONAL small and medium-sized enterprises (“MSMEs”) MONETARY FUND, 2020) that were and will be influenced and affected by 3.4 Exchange Rate and Balance of Payments the pandemic including but not limited to The official exchange rate was amended by 15 percent, hoteliers, healthcare merchants and airline service followed by the fusion of the various exchange rates under providers. The credit facility was created through the Bureau de Change, the investors and exporters (I&E) the NIRSAL Microfinance Bank. window and retail and wholesale windows. The authorities 4. Credit Support for the Healthcare Industry: A involved committed to allow the I&E rate move along with special One-Hundred-Billion-Naira (N100) market forces. A few pharmaceutical companies were intervention facility has been hereby opened to notorized to ensure they can be recipients of the FX and pharmaceutical companies, hospitals and naira funding. While I&E window turnover has been low healthcare practitioners intending to open or since April, the CBN has resumed FX supply in some of establish their drug manufacturing plants in the other windows. (INTERNATIONAL MONETARY Nigeria. Also, those that want to expand or build FUND, 2020) their health facilities to first class centers, as the 3.5 Fiscal Policy Response case may be. 1. Contingency funds of N984 million ($2.7 million) 5. Regulatory forbearance: Deposit Money Banks was released to NCDC (Nigeria’s Center for (“DMBs”) has extended the tenors of credits Disease Control) and an additional N6.5 billion granted to households and businesses influenced ($18 million) was distributed for the purchase of or affected by the pandemic. In effect to this, time- more testing kits, training medical personnel and limited and temporary restructuring of grants and opening isolation centers. A grant of N10 billion loan terms are to be deliberated for all credits ($28 million) was made available to the Lagos granted to businesses, especially in the oil & gas, State to strengten its capacity to curtail the manufacturing sectors and agriculture. outbreak. 6. Strengthening of the CBN Loan/Deposit Ratio 2. The government is putting under review the 2020 (LDR): In view of the success of the existing LDR budget and, given the anticipated large drop in oil Policy and in the light of the negative revenues, announced and remarked on plans to cut Journal of Environment, Earth Sciences and Ecology An official Publication of Center for International Research Development Double Blind Peer and Editorial Review International Referred Journal; Globally index Available www.cird.online/JEESE: E-mail: [email protected] pg. 21 Journal of Environment, Earth Sciences and Ecology Vol.02, No.03; July – September-2020 p –ISSN (7304 – 490X); ISSN (2202 – 3011) Impact factor: 0.00

or delay non-essential capital expenditure by N1.5 ensure the safety and wellbeing of shareholders and trillion (close to 1 percent of GDP). participants at AGMs/Extra-Ordinary General Meetings 3. A fiscal stimulus package was approved by the and any other meetings which may be conducted during President (COVID-19 intervention fund of N500 the prevalence of the pandemic. The Commission billion ($1.4 billion)) to support healthcare approved a 60-day extension, to accommodate and facilities, provide help and relief for taxpayers, and encourage public companies to file their individual 2019 incentivize and encourage employers to retain old annual reports and Q1 2020 reports. The Commission also staff and recruit new one’s during the downturn. directed that all returns for public companies should be 4. Import duty waivers for pharmaceutical firms filed and forwarded electronically at the dedicated email were promised. addresses ([email protected]) (Jackson, Etti 5. Regulated fuel prices were cut, and an automatic and Edu, 2020). fuel price formula was announced to ensure fuel 3.8 Capital Market Operators subsidies are eradicated. Concerning the Filing of Applications, the following 6. An increase of the social register from 1 million measures were implemented households to 3.6 million was ordered by the 1. That all new applications for any registration of president to help mitigate the effect of the Capital Market Operators (‘CMOs') were lockdown (INTERNATIONAL MONETARY suspended until further notice. FUND, 2020). 2. All pending request and applications by CMOs for 3.6 Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) any update of information will be completed The FIRS extended the following: electronically. 1. The timeline for the filing of Value Added Tax 3. Registration of funds and any other relevant (VAT) filings will be handled electronically 2. The timeline for the filing of company’s income 4. Registration of securities, debt issuance, public tax returns by one month offers, mergers and acquisitions, etc. should be 3. Withholding Tax (WHT) to the final working day carried out electronically (Jackson, Etti and Edu, of each month after the month of deduction. 2020) 4. Taxpayers are allowed to file their returns 3.9 National Agency for Food and Drug Administration without an audited account, provided the relevant and Control (NAFDAC) audited account is submitted without fail within The NAFDAC has announced that although, its regulatory two (2) months after the revised due date of the processes will not be disrupted, it will operate with filing (Jackson, Etti and Edu, 2020) restricted access to its facilities. Stakeholders are advised 3.7 Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to engage with the relevant NAFDAC directorates via On the 24th March, 2020, The Commission issued a emails and other electronic platforms. With regards to any circular outlining some market-focused adjustments to be registration of products, the NAFDAC announced the adopted in the interim in response to the effects of COVID- following: 19. Amongst others, The Commission advised and 1. Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Inspection encouraged companies to take the appropriate measures as for all local facilities will be limited recommended by the NCDC (Nigeria Centre for Disease 2. Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) inspection Control) as well as the Federal and State Governments to for foreign facilities will be put on hold. Journal of Environment, Earth Sciences and Ecology An official Publication of Center for International Research Development Double Blind Peer and Editorial Review International Referred Journal; Globally index Available www.cird.online/JEESE: E-mail: [email protected] pg. 22 Journal of Environment, Earth Sciences and Ecology Vol.02, No.03; July – September-2020 p –ISSN (7304 – 490X); ISSN (2202 – 3011) Impact factor: 0.00

3. Conditional and limited approvals for any businesses and offices within the locations be fully applications for the registration of any products closed with the exception of essential services. deemed to have urgent public health impact. 4. Entry Restriction: An entry restriction order was 4. Products necessary and critical to treat/curb implemented to travelers from the fifteen (15) COVID-19 will be expedited and given countries listed under visa restriction above. emergency approvals (Jackson, Etti and Edu, 5. Closure of Airport: All airports in Nigeria were 2020). closed and banned from recieving international 3.10. Immigration Response flights from all countries. Issues relating to the restriction of movement and 3.11 Religious Bodies Response government’s welfare programs are specifically stated in The leaders of the Catholic Church in Nigeria took several the regulations. measures and actions. They suspended Masses (church 1. Visa Suspension: The suspension of on issuing of services), Easter activities and other gatherings in churches visa on arrival (VoA) to travelers from thirteen in the country, as a way of proactively responding to the (13) countries, namely Iran, China, France, Italy, pandemic. Masses are streamed presently live on the radio, South Korea, Germany, Spain, Japan, Norway, social media and online television channels. In northern United Kingdom, United States of America, Nigeria, Their religious leaders took steps to curtail the Switzerland and Netherlands. This list was then spread of the virus (COVID-19) by halting activities at extended to also include Sweden and Austria. mosques and any other religious gatherings. On the19th of Next, there was a blanket suspension of VoA and march, 2020, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Temporary Work Permit (TWP) to intending Affairs (NSCIA), the leadership body for all Muslims in visitors to Nigeria. the country, announced some directives for mosque 2. Mandatory Self-isolation: All travelers returning organizations and steps on how to combat the disease and back to Nigeria from high risk countries are placed avoid further transmission. They urged all their members under supervised voluntary isolation for 14 days to cooperate with the appropriate authorities to curtail the and monitored by the Nigeria Centre for Disease spread of the virus. ( Patrick Egwu, 2020) Control (NCDC) and Port Health Services. Also, 3.12 Private Sector Response any Individuals who have been in contacts with On March 26, the Coalition Against COVID-19 also affected persons are strongly advised to observe known as CACOVID was established Led by Aliko self-isolation. Dangote the coalition was backed by zenith bank, Access 3. Intra-city Lockdown: The Government announced Bank Group, Guaranty Trust Bank, and many others. It a restriction on intra-city and inter-city movements was formed with the aim of mobilizing the private sector’s (“Lockdown”) especially in States that were resources and leadership to support the countries health majorly affected by the pandemic. The Lockdown facilities in responding to the crisis and also to use their was announced for an initial testing period of 14 influence to increase awareness about the COVID-19 days subject to future reviews. Then extended for outbreak. This group which is a mix of philanthropist, another period of additional two weeks. Everyone corporations and donors already provided thousands of in the locations under the lockdown restriction beds to Borno, Lagos, Kano, Abuja, Rivers and Enugu and were mandated to stay within their homes. Travel is hoping to quickly establish testing facilities and to or from other States were restricted. All treatment centers in some states. It is also aimed at getting Journal of Environment, Earth Sciences and Ecology An official Publication of Center for International Research Development Double Blind Peer and Editorial Review International Referred Journal; Globally index Available www.cird.online/JEESE: E-mail: [email protected] pg. 23 Journal of Environment, Earth Sciences and Ecology Vol.02, No.03; July – September-2020 p –ISSN (7304 – 490X); ISSN (2202 – 3011) Impact factor: 0.00 private labouratories involved in testing to speed up the 5. Setbacks in the Fight against COVID-19 in Nigeria process. The ultimate goal is to test at least two million The combat against COVID-19 in Nigeria has been in top people, the group’s website boasts of a large CACOVID gear for almost three months. It has been observed that the relief fund totaled over $55.7m as of the 6th of April, 2020, fight against COVID-19 has been one of the greatest with Aliko Dangote (Africa’s richest man) and the Central challenges that man has ever faced since the beginning of bank donating $5.1m each. Other major private players time because the pathogen of SARS- CoV-2 is a new such as Jim Ovia (Zenith Bank), Segun Agbaje (Guaranty coronavirus which is quite different from SARS- CoV or Trust Bank), Herbert Wigwe (Access Bank), Abdulsamad MERS-CoV in terms of biological traits and methods of Rabiu of BUA Group, Tony Elumelu (United Bank for transmission. Africa), Oba Otudeko (First Bank), Folorunsho Alakija of The inadequacy of information as regards the nature of the Famfa Oil Limited, Femi Otedola of Amperion Power, virus has made it practically impossible to invent drugs that Mike Adenuga and the Nigeria Deposit Insurance could combat the virus and this causes great troubles in Corporation provided $2.59m each. The Nigerian National treating severe cases which account for a majority of Petroleum Corporation and some oil companies pledged transmissions. Although the methods of transmission are $30m to the NCDC (Nigeria Centre for Disease Control) still not well-understood, it is very clear that the virus is to improve patient care, medical equipments and supply mainly contracted through human respiration. Other media (UNAH, 2020) of transmission like the aerosol propagation and the 4. Response to the Covid-19 Pandemic Towards gastrointestinal transmission are still under research. Achieving Environmental Sustainability in Nigeria Implementing a lockdown in Nigeria hasn’t been quite an 4.1 Reduction of Environmental Noise Level easy task especially when the nation’s thus, the country’s Environmental noise is defined as an unwanted sound that administration has been thus under great pressure of could be generated by anthropogenic activities such as putting the required logistics in place with great emphasis industrial or commercial activities. Environmental noise is on healthcare facilities and emergency responses. There is a major source of discomfort for the population and the need for all tiers of government to get involved in the fight environment which leads to health problems and alteration so as to make for effective utilization of resources and of the natural conditions of the ecosystems the imposition greater results. Information sharing is equally important in of quarantine measures by the governments has resulted in the fight against the virus. It is important to share patients’ people staying at home. And as a result, the use of private information to make for easy identification of new cases in and public transportation has decreased significantly. Also, order to limit the spread; sharing genome sequence details the cessation of almost all commercial activities. All these also facilitates faster diagnosis and the implementation of changes have caused the noise level to drop considerably treatment plans to reduce mortality rate. In the early phases in most states of the country. of the outbreak, the World Health Organization (WHO) 4.2 Reduction in Air Pollution declared the virus as a worldwide public health The coronavirus outbreak's effect on transport system and emergency-based on the International Health Regulation industries has led to a drop-in air pollution. Reduction of (2005) because the virus posed a high public health risk air pollution has lead reduction in both climate change and which required a uniform response from all countries. COVID-19 risks but it is not yet clear which types of air Again, the citizens are still not well-educated about the pollution are the major risks to climate change. implications of the virus. Some still believe it has some religious meaning – maybe a punishment for sins- so they Journal of Environment, Earth Sciences and Ecology An official Publication of Center for International Research Development Double Blind Peer and Editorial Review International Referred Journal; Globally index Available www.cird.online/JEESE: E-mail: [email protected] pg. 24 Journal of Environment, Earth Sciences and Ecology Vol.02, No.03; July – September-2020 p –ISSN (7304 – 490X); ISSN (2202 – 3011) Impact factor: 0.00 pay little or no attention to protecting themselves from the towards enhancing the effectiveness and virus instead, they take to praying and fasting making efficiency of the distributive mechanisms in order themselves more prone to contracting the virus. to reach households most affected by the Conclusion pandemic. The fiscal stimulus measures provided will provide some 4. Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and State strength to the Nigerian economy during the period of the Inland Revenue Services (SIRS) should extend or pandemic. Measures put in place by the Central Bank of waive payments on any personal and corporate Nigeria (CBN) would be suitable for the financial sector income tax for the second quarter of 2020, bearing and financing of industries as they try to cope with the in mind that the shock has affected the profits and pandemic. The other packages that have been announced incomes of business and households. to deal with the welfare challenges faced by the citizens 5. The CBN’s decision that was made to increase the would help mitigate the effect of the pandemic to a certain cash reserve ratio (CRR) from 22.5 percent to 27.5 extent. The suspension of visa’s on arrival and a closure of percent should be revisited in order to provide the boarders helped be to halt the level of imported cases more liquidity for banks so that, they can create and slow down the spread of the virus. Any post-COVID- and provide credit to the private sector. 19 recovery strategy will need to focus on a system for a 6. Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and State quick return to a path of economic growth, improved social Inland Revenue Services (SIRS) should delay tax contract, and overall human development. The survivors collection from the sectors most affected and others directly affected by the disease must be assisted especially tourism, airline industry, and hoteliers. to regain their dignity and the affected communities This will enable them recover from the steep to supported to recover their livelihoods This will require non-existence decline in demand. investment in innovative approaches with the aim of References restoring of health systems; co-creation of culturally sensitive protection and community, peace and cohesion Qian, X., Ren, R., Guo, Y., Fang, J., Wu, Z.-D., Liu, P.- building. L., . . . Members of Steering Committee, S. o. (2020). Fighting against the common enemy of Recommendation COVID-19: a practice of building a community 1. The economy shutting down and the overloaded with a shared future for mankind. Infectious public healthcare systems are clear signs that there Diseases of Poverty, 1-6. is need for a thorough reevaluation of the entire public healthcare system and the economic Sauer, L. M. (2020). What Is Coronavirus? Available system. online at https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditio 2. As a consequence of forex exchange shortage ns-and-diseases/coronavirus naira was adjusted, so it is important that the central bank of Nigeria (CBN) maintains exchange UNAH, L. (2020, April 2020). Nigerian private sector rate stability this can be achieved by deploying donates more than most other African countries external reserves. This will help to stop investors in fight against COVID-19. Retrieved from from selling off naira-denominated assets. African Bussiness: 3. Although there is a cash transfer program in place, https://africanbusinessmagazine.com/sectors/healt h-sectors/covid-19/nigerian-private-sector- the federal government should make efforts Journal of Environment, Earth Sciences and Ecology An official Publication of Center for International Research Development Double Blind Peer and Editorial Review International Referred Journal; Globally index Available www.cird.online/JEESE: E-mail: [email protected] pg. 25 Journal of Environment, Earth Sciences and Ecology Vol.02, No.03; July – September-2020 p –ISSN (7304 – 490X); ISSN (2202 – 3011) Impact factor: 0.00

donates-more-than-most-other-african-countries- Brooks Knights. (2020, April 2). State and Regulatory in-fight-against-covid-19/ Responses to COVID-19 in Nigeria. Retrieved from Lexology: Effiong, A. I., Ime, R. N., Akpan, E. J., Mfreke, U. J., https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g= Edidiong, I. F., Abere, O. J.Abraham, U. P., afefb8de-48be-4808-b6e4-37e3bf8c7639 Essien, M. O. and Ukpong, E. S. (2020). Assessment of Nigerian Television Authority Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) (April 9, (NTA) Ongoing Programme Awaresness 2020). COVID-19 case update. Available online Campaigns on Corona Virus in Nigeria. at https://twitter.com/NCDCgovREERENCE Electronic Res. J. Soc. Sci. & Hum. 2(1):130-141. Worldometers (April 9, 2020). Coronavirus Update Ozili, P.; Arun, T. (2020). Spillover of COVID 19, (Live). Available online at Impact on the global Economy.10.2139\ssrn.3562570. https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/

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