Impact of COVID-19 lockdown and social distancing policies on small businesses in south-eastern Nigeria: whither the stimulus packages?. (1st June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Iwuoha, Victor Chidubem; Aniche, Ernest Toochi; Ezirim, Gerald Ekenedirichukwu; Alumona, Ikenna Mike; Obiorji, Josephine Nneka
• Is Part Of: Journal of poverty and social justice. Volume 29:Number 2(2021)
• Page Start: 231
• Page End: 239
• Publication Date: 2021-06-01
• Subjects: COVID-19 pandemic -- lockdown and social distancing -- policy interventions -- economic stimuli -- small businesses -- Nigeria; Poverty -- Periodicals; Social security -- Periodicals; Exclusion, social -- Periodicals; 361.6
• DOI: 10.1332/175982721X16124992938824
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1759-8273

Abstract

Abstract : This article examines the specific or sub-sectoral effects of COVID-19 lockdown measures on small business units, thus departing from previous studies which only focused on general effects. Based on qualitative and cross-sectional survey methods, the article depicts a cross-sectoral disparity in the patronage level and income stream of customers of small businesses found on the streets of south-eastern Nigeria. The article identifies the gap in the policy interventions meant to cushion the negative impacts of COVID-19 lockdown and social distancing policies on small businesses. Hence, state policy interventions have not had the cushioning impact on small businesses in south-eastern Nigeria. A pro-poor approach towards the review of the policy interventions is highly imperative.