Demographic Variations in Public Views of Response to and Management of the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

This study examined the demographic variations in public views of response to and management of the Covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria. Specifically, the study assessed the proportion of responses to items on social/public policies designed for the management of the pandemic, government emergency powers with regards to the Covid-19 pandemic and roles of citizens in tackling the challenges that come with the Covid-19 pandemic. A web-based survey design was employed to elicit data from 600 respondents. Findings showed that although many respondents supported the lockdowns of various states and a cessation of social and economic activity, they were not satisfied with the implementation of many of the social policies that the government had designed to respond to and manage the resulting challenges of Covid-19.As to the political response and management of the lockdowns and restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many people expressed the views that the government and law enforcement agents have abused their emergency powers. Many