Businesses Reopen As Nigeria Eases Coronavirus Lockdown

Fidelis Mbah

Commercial activities resumed on Monday in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, and Lagos and Ogun states after the government announced the gradual easing of restrictions to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

President Muhammadu Buhari last Monday “approved a phased and gradual easing of lockdown measures”.

“I feel so happy returning to work after sitting at home for more than a month,” said Ajaero Hezekiah, who runs a gift shop in the commercial capital, Lagos.

The 53-year-old father of four returned to his place of business after closing his shop on March 30 to comply with a government directive to stay away from public spaces in three key states.

“I was close to losing my mind at home because of the financial pressure from family. I ran out of money, we were gradually running out of food, too, and I wasn’t earning any income to pay bills,” Hezekiah told Al Jazeera.

“I