The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and National Bureau of Statistics, (NBS) have issued a report which stated that no fewer than 20 percent of the full-time workforce in Nigeria lost employment during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
The report, titled “The Impact of COVID-19 on Business Enterprises in Nigeria”, was based on in-depth interviews with almost 3,000 businesses from both formal and informal sectors across major industries of the economy.
According to Vanguard, it evaluated the adversity infiltrated by the COVID-19 virus on business enterprises in the country.
The report partly read, "While there have been promising signs of recovery this year, COVID-19 has had an outsized socio-economic impact on Nigeria.
“From disruptions in supply chains to ongoing supply and demand shocks and a drop in consumer confidence, these challenges are expected to leave a lasting impact on the businesses and enterprises that make up the backbone of the economy."
The report also mentioned the significant decrease in revenue faced by enterprises and establishments across the country due to the pandemic.
It indicated that 81 percent of enterprises interviewed, experienced a decline in revenue and 73 percent stated that they faced liquidity challenges due to secondary impacts of the pandemic in 2020.
Data from the report revealed that the median loss in revenue did not change at 44 percent, in comparison to 2019 revenues while about 60 percent of enterprises studied experienced an increase in operational
costs, with the price of raw materials and logistics being the top two contributors to the increase.
Other operational challenges included access to credit and capital, high expenditure on utilities, and inadequate social safety net, especially for informal enterprises.
The report disclosed that one in three business enterprises surveyed signified that some businesses have permanently closed due to operational challenges resulting from the pandemic.
The Statistician-General of the Federation, Dr. Simon Harry, in his reaction to the report, highlighted the importance of the survey results.
He said, “As the economy begins to show signs of gradual growth, this report contains important information that can guide policymakers in their interventions to mitigate the negative socioeconomic impacts of COVID-19 in the country.
“I wish to thank UNDP for collaborating with the National Bureau of Statistics on this important report and I urge other development partners to emulate this worthy endeavor by partnering with the Bureau in matters relating to data generated in the country.
“Although the report findings highlight the complex challenges the economy continues to face because of COVID-19, it also tells a powerful story of innovation, resilience, and strength as Nigerian businesses leverage their ingenuity to adjust to this new normal.”