ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA AND GOVERNMENT PALLIATIVE MEASURES

Abstract

Covid-19 pandemic has negative impact in Nigeria thereby disrupting both individual and government day to day activities. Coronavirus has created tension and devastation of social and economic lives of people in Nigeria and the globe at large.   This study is designed to find out the impact of Covid-19 on the lives of people in Rivers State and assessment of the government palliative response. The study employed phenomenological and exploratory research design in its inquiry. Fifteen respondents made up the sample size for the study. In-dept Interview Guide was the instrument for data collection. The findings from the study show that most residents of Rivers State did not receive palliatives in the midst of Covid 19 pandemic lockdown. The palliatives that was said to have being distributed by the government did not trickle down to the poor masses. The major causes of this were misappropriation, diversion of relief materials and corruption in general. Thirdly, Social workers helped in needs assessment and re-direction of palliative materials to the most vulnerable. However, their efforts were highly limited by lack of recognition and professionalization of the profession in Nigeria. The study therefore recommends that the Nigerian government should set up mechanism or avenue to monitor palliative distribution to ensure it trickles down to the poor masses and not sabotaged by maleficence. Also, the government should institutionalize social work profession and the utilization of social workers as major front-line social care workers in Nigeria and Rivers State in particular.