Seven businesses still booming in Nigeria despite coronavirus pandemic

It is no longer news that the spread of coronavirus pandemic has crippled economy and business activities in Nigeria and around the world.

At the moment, over 97 index cases have been reported in Nigeria with many results being awaited.

Lagos and Abuja are the worst hit of the scourge of COVID-19 at the moment.

Consequently, President Muhammadu Buhari, Sunday ordered a total lockdown in the states with effect from Monday, March 30 from 11pm.

However, despite the lockdown, the following businesses are still booming.

He said, “Based on the advice of the Federal Ministry of Health and the NCDC, I am directing the cessation of all movements in Lagos and the FCT for an initial period of 14 days with effect from 11pm on Monday, 30th March 2020. This restriction will also apply to Ogun State due to its close proximity to Lagos and the high traffic between the two States.

“All citizens in these areas are to stay in their homes. Travel to or from other states should be postponed. All businesses and offices within these locations should be fully closed during this period.”

IDOMA VOICE exclusively writes on some businesses that would still continue to thrive amid the pandemic.

1. Food vendors

Food vendors are those currently cashing out in this stay-at-home era. Sellers of fresh foods and foodstuffs are making cool money as the president said they are exempted from the new order.

2. Supermarkets

Owners of supermarkets are also in for a big ‘blow’ at the moment many houses depend on them in this lockdown.

Bread, beverages and preventive kits are sold here.

3. Pharmacies

The president was specific in his speech when he pointedly said Pharmacies would remain opened despite the lockdown order. They are the biggest beneficiaries of this crisis.

4. Mobile bank agents (POS)

Since there won’t be movement, those who need money and can’t go to bank would resort to mobile banking agents, popularly known as POS.

5. Petroleum products

Of course, filling stations are also booming despite the crisis. This is because the epileptic power supply, people who are indoors would need fuel to power their generators and keep themselves busy and as well know that is happening. Also, wives would also need to refill their gas cylinders.

6. New Media (Bloggers)

Owners of blogs are also making it big time this time around because many people are hooked up online to get the latest news on the pandemic. Bloggers with Google Adsense would be smiling at the moment because of heavy internet presence.

7. Telecommunications

MTN, Airtel, Glo, Etisalat and other telecommunications companies are also making it big this time because people are indoors and would need calls cards and data to reach their family and loved ones.