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Nigeria Eases Lockdown Measures Despite Increases in Coronavirus Cases

Timothy Obiezu

   ABUJA, NIGERIA - Computer specialist Michael Kundun left for work early
   Monday, as Nigeria's coronavirus lockdown eased at 6 a.m.

   Kundun had not been to his shop in Abuja's Nyanya Market since late
   March, when authorities announced the lockdown. When he opened, he had
   to clean and dust to get ready for business.

   "It is going to be gradual," he said. "It's not going to be as it was
   from the beginning, but by the grace of God it will pick up. Business
   will pick up with time."

   Nigeria relaxed its 35-day lockdown in Abuja, Lagos and Ogun states
   following President Muhammadu Buhari's order, given last week during
   his national address.

   Harm to economy

   Buhari concedes the lockdown has hurt the Nigerian economy, especially
   in non-essential sectors that depend on daily income for survival.

   Much like Kundun's business.

   "The lockdown affected my business drastically," he said. "In fact, I
   found it difficult to work. I found it difficult to meet my customers."

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