Socio-economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract The study analysis socio-economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown as perceived by the residents in different residential zones of Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria, this is aimed at proffering recommendations that guide policy framework. The study adopted survey approach. Data for the study were obtained through questionnaire administration. The study area, Ota, was stratified into three residential zones (Core, transition and sub-urban). Using systematic sampling technique, 229 residents from 2% of residential buildings were sampled in the study area. Data collected were analysed with the use of descriptive and inferential statistics. Results of the study established that majority (63.7%) did not believed in the existence of COVID-19 pandemic, while 63.8% of the residents claimed that COVID-19 pandemic was not severe in the area. Over 60% of the residents affirmed that existence of COVID-19 is a political scam. It was found that 66.8% of the residents confirmed that the lockdown had negative impact on the economy of the area. Residents perceived increased incidence of social vices as a result of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. The COVID-19 pandemic lockdown index (CPLI) reveals theft incidence (4.41), domestic violence (3.85) and less social gathering (3.98) recorded highest index in core, transition and sub-urban respectively. However, the lockdown has least impact on governments’ palliative to the residents. It can be established that there is a no significant variation in the impact of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in the three residential zones (p < 0.05). It is therefore, recommended that appropriate machinery for effective monitoring and feedback on governments’ intervention programme should be given needed priority.