THE LUNACY OF LAGOS: JUST QUESTIONS
I’m certain by now you are well acquainted with my love-hate relationship with Lagos. In previous times, my posts in this series have been based entirely on experiences and perspectives on Lagos; from traffic that has come to be synonymous with Lagos to the daily ordeals of commuting and other times, outright rants.
Of course, you are in the loop of plans to begin easing the 5 weeks long lockdown in Lagos and while many are giddying up to be out in the streets again, hustling, there are still nagging concerns in most minds including mine. Unlike other installments in this series, I just have questions today. No rants, no personal narratives, just questions.
It still feels like a false reality to most, how things were normal this minute and in the next breath, we were mandated to stay indoors more often than we are used to and basically grind to a halt. Lagos is ever so busy and I’m certain in the course of the lockdown, the roads have felt much relief. You might be thinking; “the lockdown wasn’t a thorough one” but then, there were checks in place to restrict movement across certain distances. It is bad enough that we’ve been cornered into the present situation when early border and airspace closure would have resulted in an exponential reduction in the cases we see daily, but I digress. It could go without saying that Lagos is in fact overpopulated and that thing called “personal space” has little meaning to my dear Lagosians. From cramped means of transportation to the nearby passenger reaching across your face--without any warning-- to make a purchase from the street vendor, not to talk of the conversations before completing the transactions.
While daily figures of COVID-19 cases being reported are experiencing an upward climb with Lagos in the lead more often than not, I can’t help but wonder how operations within the city would look as from the 4th. I’m well aware that the state governor has made a public address regarding regulation of activities within the state as we are slowly eased out of the lockdown, I believe you are too. I sincerely commend his efforts thus far but still, I have a ton of questions;
I’m sure I’m not alone with this train of thoughts. What nagging questions have you got brewing in your head? Or have you any answers to my concerns? Fill me in the comments below.
Just wondering,
‘Mina.
Of course, you are in the loop of plans to begin easing the 5 weeks long lockdown in Lagos and while many are giddying up to be out in the streets again, hustling, there are still nagging concerns in most minds including mine. Unlike other installments in this series, I just have questions today. No rants, no personal narratives, just questions.
It still feels like a false reality to most, how things were normal this minute and in the next breath, we were mandated to stay indoors more often than we are used to and basically grind to a halt. Lagos is ever so busy and I’m certain in the course of the lockdown, the roads have felt much relief. You might be thinking; “the lockdown wasn’t a thorough one” but then, there were checks in place to restrict movement across certain distances. It is bad enough that we’ve been cornered into the present situation when early border and airspace closure would have resulted in an exponential reduction in the cases we see daily, but I digress. It could go without saying that Lagos is in fact overpopulated and that thing called “personal space” has little meaning to my dear Lagosians. From cramped means of transportation to the nearby passenger reaching across your face--without any warning-- to make a purchase from the street vendor, not to talk of the conversations before completing the transactions.
While daily figures of COVID-19 cases being reported are experiencing an upward climb with Lagos in the lead more often than not, I can’t help but wonder how operations within the city would look as from the 4th. I’m well aware that the state governor has made a public address regarding regulation of activities within the state as we are slowly eased out of the lockdown, I believe you are too. I sincerely commend his efforts thus far but still, I have a ton of questions;
- How would it be ensured that the issued instructions are followed to the tee, especially by transporters?
- With the prescribed transport regulations, would commuters be made to bear the possible added costs? Considering that many have been stuck spending without earning for the past month.
- Or, should the transporters be made to shoulder not as much profits as before? Would the road thugs and beloved checkpoint folks relax on their “levies”?
- Is the proposed use of gloves more effective than emphasizing the need to wash hands and use sanitizers? Remember the image making rounds on social media earlier? One of a man biting the “protective gloves”.
(In case you've forgotten)
- How easy would it be for Lagosians to maintain social distance? Remember, Lagosians are primarily not wired to respect personal space-- even at ATMs, sometimes.
- Would life in Lagos go back to as it once was prior to COVID-19? would the night life and party culture of Lagos remain as it always has been?
- How well would we keep to the curfew after tasting "freedom"?
I’m sure I’m not alone with this train of thoughts. What nagging questions have you got brewing in your head? Or have you any answers to my concerns? Fill me in the comments below.
Just wondering,
‘Mina.
This is thought provoking. Wish those in position of authority can answer the questions raised.
ReplyDeleteSalient questions your raised Amina but it seems the most citizens of Lagos are wired not to follow instructions. Just yesterday most of the banks in Lagos were besieged with a large number of customers with no form of social distancing in practice. I hope we don't experience an upsurge in the Covid-19 cases to be honest and hopefully the citizens and everyone involved takes more responsibilities and act as it expected.
ReplyDeleteAt this point, all we can do is hope. Maybe by some miracle, there won't be an upsurge and need for another round of lockdown
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