Non-State Actors as Partners in the Response to COVID-19 Pandemic in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper is an examination of the response of the NSAs support services amidst the COVID-19
pandemic. Government incapacity and severe human needs motivated the NSAs to adapt quickly
and rose to the challenges of helping to mitigate the effect of a ravaging pandemic. Data were
collected from primary and secondary sources and personal observation. The study demonstrated
how NSAs responded to the challenges of the pandemic by monitoring palliatives distribution,
providing isolation centres and mobilising and sensitising the general public; provided insights
into the weak capacity of the state that necessitated the NSAs intervention and challenges
encountered. Lessons learnt were captured in „new normal‟ and understanding of how relevant
NSAs can be in a pandemic situation as tool for mobilisation. It was concluded that the nature of
NSAs intervention was essentially collaborative and complementary. Among the
recommendations were that NSAs be encouraged by government to do more for the citizens,
especially during emergencies, increased funding of public health sector and regular accreditation
of health facilities.