Re-Strategizing Government Palliative Distribution in Curbing the Effect of COVID-19 Lockdown: The Voice of Enugu State Nigeria Residents

Abstract In the quest to stimulate the economic impact of Covid-19, the Nigerian government introduced palliative distribution. However, the dissatisfaction and outcry over the inequalities and irregularities in the allocation made this study very important. This qualitative study examined how to distribute palliatives to ensure equality and justice. The study also examined the means of identifying those who should first receive palliative considering the large population. The survey participants were selected purposively by first prioritizing those who fall within the inclusion criteria, resulting in the recruitment of 50 participants. Data collected through an in-depth interview was analyzed using content analysis. The results showed that re-strategizing the means and method of palliative distributions is the answer to stopping the hijacking of palliative. However, it can be effective by only using local governments’ chairpersons, community chiefs, and religious leaders. As they would do better in ensuring true beneficiaries are identified, equality and fairness during palliative distribution. The study recommends conducting a feasibility study on those measures adopted to curb the effects of COVID 19 and close monitoring of all distribution processes. We urge future researchers to conduct similar research in other states by incorporating a larger sample size.