Covid-19 containment policies in Nigeria: the role of conflictual federal–state relations in the fight against the pandemic. Issue 169 (3rd July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Aniche, Ernest Toochi; Iwuoha, Victor Chidubem; Obi, Kelechukwu Charles
• Is Part Of: Review of African political economy. Volume 48:Issue 169(2021)
• Page Start: 442
• Page End: 451
• Publication Date: 2021-07-03
• Subjects: Africa -- Economic conditions -- Periodicals; Africa -- Social conditions -- Periodicals; 330.96
• DOI: 10.1080/03056244.2021.1931830
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0305-6244

Abstract

SUMMARY: This briefing explores how the administrative fight against Covid-19 in Nigeria, particularly the conflictual political economy of federalism in this mono-product/oil-dependent economy, has shaped the making and implementation of virus containment policies and strategies. The analysis shows that the disconnects between the federal and state governments have blocked a harmonised and coordinated containment response. Instead, the measures to manage the pandemic have worsened the already highly conflictual – as well as dependent and centripetal – intergovernmental fiscal relations between federal and state governments, and among state governments.