Economy can’t survive second lockdown, MAN, LCCI warn

The Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry and other groups have warned that Nigeria’s fragile economy cannot withstand another lockdown.

MAN, the LCCI, and others, in separate interviews  with The PUNCH,  called on Nigerians to adhere to COVID-19 preventive measures to prevent another lockdown.

The groups gave the warning just as a Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Ibrahim Saulawa, on Tuesday disclosed that the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad, had tested positive for COVID-19.

Recall that following increase in COVID-19 cases in April, the Federal Government imposed lockdown in Lagos and Ogun states as well as the Federal Capital Territory.

The phase three of the lockdown, which was extended to other parts of the country, ended in September.

But there have been concerns about the increasing coronavirus cases with at least 26 generals and the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwolu, testing positive for the virus.

The Nigerian Army had also said a general, Olu Irefin, died of the virus.

The Director-General of the LCCI, Dr Muda Yusuf, in an interview with one of our correspondents,  said  second lockdown was not wise considering the current state of the economy.

He stated,  “A second lockdown is not advisable.  The social and economic environment is too tense and fragile to withstand the shock of another lockdown. What needs to happen is to intensify the sensitisation and awareness of COVID-19 protocols.  Some subtle enforcement should also be put in place.”

Also, the acting Director-General of MAN, Ambrose Oruche, said the state of health of Nigerians was of paramount importance and the spread of the coronavirus should be prevented.

He, however, noted that it was not advisable for the government to introduce a complete lockdown considering the fragile state of the economy and the need for people to earn a living.

He advised the government to ban large gatherings and enforce the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control protocols like the wearing of facemasks, regular hand washing and observing of social distancing.