We are few days away from social chaos, few weeks away from the coronavirus peak and a few months away from a recession.
The outcomes are all catastrophic with different timelines.

What would you do? Here's my take...

I have been thinking a lot about this and I have some broad ideas. I would tackle the first two issues as priority. Protect the health of the people and prevent a breakdown of society. The latter in the case of Nigeria has resulted in more deaths than the former.

1. Relax lockdowns and go for precision
2. Deploy an "all people," "all government" approach to the crisis
3. Go against the grain and initiate restitution

1. Relax statewide lockdowns. Maintain suspension of public transportation to reduce mobility. Completely restrict movement out of certain zones based on case mapping. (Vietnam's Community Quarantine strategy) Provide palliatives for these communities instead of spreading thin.

2. There is empirical correlation between trust in government and effective coronavirus response globally. "We are in this together" approach saves lives. FG should leverage community structures (FBOs, CBOs) for delivering public goods.

Leverage local stalls, mosques and churches in poor communities as stakeholders. They educate, distribute aid and provide reporting to govt on health risks. Call them "Community Keepers". Ramp up surveillance and localise testing.

3. Apologize via national broadcast and pay compensation to victims of overzealous security operatives. Name & shame rogue security operatives, announcing their prosecution. Read out human rights centric enforcement guidelines. Penalize errant big men that flout NCDC's rules.

Above all be honest with the people. Talk openly about limitations in testing capabilities, and tough times ahead. Persuade people to stay home as best prevention strategy. Channel the high appeal of religion and call for national prayers and support.

One thing I can say for free is that Nigeria has the best guy in @Chikwe_I at the NCDC right now. Doing fantastic (beyond resources...if you know you know) However, my experience in public health reveals that epidemics are as social as science. Polio as case study.

We need to pull together as a people. But this burden should not be on the citizens alone. President Buhari must first #TakeResponsibility and provide leadership now than ever. This is all that matters.

Please take this survey and help my friends here understand how the coronavirus affects you. https://twitter.com/researcherdotng/status/1247194819031633922?s=19