RESPONDING TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: IMPLICATIONS FOR LAW AND DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic exposes like never before the ills and weaknesses of the Nigerian society. Several social challenges such as inequality, poor educational and health facilities, and inadequate social amenities, among others, were aggravated by the pandemic. This has necessitated an effective response to prepare for the mitigation of the impacts of any such emergencies in the future. According to the United Nations, such response calls for shared value partnerships and solidarity across the private and public sector, as well as other stakeholder groups. Adopting a desk-based research methodology, the author explores the potential roles of the public and private sectors in mitigating the impacts of such emergency situation in Nigeria. Such roles include the implementation of an effective corporate social responsibility (CSR) regime, promotion of social entrepreneurship, as well as implementation of relevant legal reforms on social protection. The author posits that these will help prepare for, and mitigate the adverse socio-economic impacts of any such future emergencies in the country. Hence, relevant recommendations are proffered to conclude the study.