The current global pandemic has completely changed the way the world runs, every facet of our existence has been affected as human contact is now considered dangerous and is completely discouraged as a precautionary measure to curtail the spread of the coronavirus.
Hence the Nigerian government’s order to lockdown majorly affected cities for a 14 day period seemed reasonable and paramount but should there not be some exemptions?
The news that one of Africa’s largest commerce and logistics companies, Jumia had its Nigerian warehouse shut down by the Lagos State Government because they were considered to have violated the lockdown directive on March 29th, 2020 raises some concerns.
Meanwhile, international ecommerce giant, Amazon in the United States had seen a surge in first- quarter demand with more customers opting to purchase online in efforts to avoid face-to-face interactions and stocking up for the mandated lockdown amid the pandemic. The company has even employed over 100,000 Americans to balance out the increased orders for supplies since the outbreak. Their delivery workers are given letters to carry saying that they are engaged in essential work as they cannot do their jobs from home like other companies.
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The need for logistics companies stepping up at a time like this to fight the pandemic cannot be overemphasized. They are needed in order to collaborate FG efforts to fighting the spread of the virus. Amazon leverage this letter that has a paragraph addressing law enforcement with a phone number to verify the employment of the carriers to help enable members of the community to remain home and reduce the risk of exposure and transmission especially to the elderly and other vulnerable individuals.
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In light of the presence of the coronavirus in Africa, Jumia had reworked its branding with a new slogan which reads “Stay Safe, Keep your distance” positioning its role as an advocate for social distancing. They also rolled out efforts of contactless delivery that allows for delivery without cash exchange or contact between the driver and customer.
In partnership with Reckitt Beckiser, the company has also decided to take a 0% commission on some high in demand medical and hygiene products all in an effort to support the fight against the spread of the covid-19 virus.
Seeing as tech companies like these make such elaborate efforts at helping to make a difference. Government officials may need to consider some level of leniency in the execution of certain mandatory regulations.
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Why the FG should consider leniency?
It is rather straightforward. Ecommerce and delivery services have a better chance at ensuring that people stay home and shop instead of the alternative that will have them going out and mingling, jeopardizing all FG efforts to curb the spread in record time.
There is no definite timeline to when this pandemic will end so rather than hindering these efforts, policies that ensure further safety should be implanted.