Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the Nigerian legal system: a blessing in disguise?
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Date
2021
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Africa Social Work Network Journal of Development Administration (JDA)
Abstract
As the world came to terms with the reality of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a series of rippling effects were set
in motion. As agitations for social distancing and calls to flatten the curve of infection spiralled, the world came to a
resounding halt, impeding the functionality of social institutions. With the world gradually returning to normalcy, a need
arises to study the precise impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on specific social institutions. This study examined the various
ways the COVID-19 affected the Nigerian legal system. Adopting a secondary method of data collection, the study consulted
research works and other sources of empirical information on COVID-19 and the legal system. The study found that by failing
to declare a state of emergency, the enacted lockdown infringed upon citizens’ right to move freely as detailed in the Nigerian
constitution. The study further found that the pandemic exposed weaknesses of Nigerian legal system in remote hearing and
digitalisation of court procedures. Based on these findings, the study recommended that the Nigerian government should
uphold the legalities of the constitution. The study also recommended for intensified efforts by the government to digitalize
the legal system in line with international standards.
Description
Keywords
Corina virus disease (COVID-19), lockdown, legal system, Nigeria, remote hearing
Citation
Adedokun, K., Raji, A., RAJI, Khalid O., Muhammed, A. Y. (2021). Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the Nigerian legal system: a blessing in disguise? Journal of Development Administration (JDA), 6(2), 89-96.