A Senior Lecturer and Researcher at the Centre for Peace and Security Studies, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, Adamawa State, Chris Kwaja, Ph.D has called for more strategic thinking around how to manage emergency associated with the Coronavirus pandemic in ways that are inclusive of all segments of the society – both the public and private sector.

Dr Kwaja, who is also a member of the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) supported Nigerian Working Group on Peacebuilding and Governance, a group made up of civic leaders said decisions taken and interventions at this critical time should be holistic and all-inclusive.

Dr. Kwaja said 90% of the population which constitute petty, small, medium and big businesses are currently being strangulated and not receiving the needed intervention.

He said despite the lockdown over the Coronavirus, the payment of salaries to civil servants by all levels of government, making them the biggest beneficiaries of such governments’ efforts in a country where they constitute less than 5% percent of the population.

He said in the long run, less than 5 % of the population might also benefit from palliatives.

He asked of what becomes of the other 90% of the population that are involved in petty, small, medium and big business?

“Above all, what happens to the countless people that are jobless? This would require more strategic thinking around how to manage emergency associated with the corona virus pandemic in ways that are inclusive of all segments of the society – both the public and private sector.” he concluded.

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COVID-19: Dr Chris Kwaja Makes Case for Responses That are Inclusive