SUSTAINABILITY ASSESSMENT OF COVID-19 PROTOCOLS AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEFICIENT SOCIETIES IN POST-COVID ERA IN AFRICA: A CASE OF NIGERIA

Abstract

Africa recorded her first confirmed COVID-19 case in Egypt on 14 February, 2020. Thus far, the number of new confirmed cases and deaths increased despite the World Health Organization (WHO) protocols. The study aims at determining if the conceived and adopted protocols against COVID-19 and the post-COVID era in the infrastructural deficient societies of Africa and indeed Nigeria are sustainable. Empirical research design was adopted based on the data randomly drawn from a population who are residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, Anambra, Lagos, Kano, Rivers States, States termed most vulnerable to infection in Nigeria. The sampling unit was based on a pilot study, using four hundred randomly selected adult residents who are literate in the sampled States using online structured questionnaire, supplemented by phone call - oral interviews, and other literature sourced from secondary sources. The primary data used for the study were obtained through the administration of questionnaires via online, and were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The results were presented in tables, graphs and charts. The Mean Weighted Value statistical analysis was carried out with the Gross Mean Weight Value (cut-off point) at 2.60. The study found that Unplanned, Uncoordinated and Unregulated Transport System, Epileptic Power Supply, Dominant Primary Economic Production, Unplanned Settlement, Corruption, Congested Settlement, Congested Market Places, Small Traders and Artisans sustenance on daily basis, Nigeria’s Mono-economy, Import Dependency and Shortage of Food militated against the COVID-19 control protocols and still subsists in post-COVID era. It therefore recommends massive infrastructural development in African countries for sustainability, diversify economic activities in order to create additional values to the socio-economic activities that will lead millions of Africans out of poverty, put in place and enforce sustainable hygiene protocols that will promote and guarantee good health and healthy environment of the societies in Africa.