COVID-19, lockdown experiences and the role of social workers in cushioning the effect in Nigeria

Abstract

COVID-19 is a novel virus with a devastating impact on the economy of nations. The virus has claimed so many lives worldwide and also in Nigeria. The study was designed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on Nigerians, their lockdown experiences, vices that prevailed during the period, and the role social workers can play in the fight against COVID-19. The study adopted a phenomenological research design. The instrument for data collection was an in-depth interview guide and 15 respondents constituted the sample size. The result of the study shows that COVID-19 had a catastrophic impact on the Nigerian economy and individual wellbeing. The COVID-19lockdown preventive measures and palliatives were ill-managed and poorly organized, leading to many economic hardships on the populace. Youths engaged in unlawful acts and vices during the lockdown. The efforts of social workers in the fight against COVID-19 were greatly limited by a lack of recognition and professionalization. This affected their capacity to function optimally. The study, therefore, recommends a speedy professionalization of social work in Nigeria given its importance to the wellbeing of the citizenry.