Nigeria projects 39.4m job losses by end of year

A team charged with developing Nigeria’s economic recovery plan from the coronavirus pandemic says about 39.4 million people could be jobless by the end of 2020 if the government fails to act.

The Committee on Economic Sustainability Plan, led by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, said restrictions imposed to prevent the spread of coronavirus had mainly affected agriculture, manufacturing and tourism sectors.

It said the dip in the nation’s oil earnings would result in a $473m (£375m) shortfall every month.

The committee presented its economic plan to President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday.

Among its recommendations is the rolling out of mass programmes that create jobs and and utilise local materials in agriculture, housing and road construction.

Nigeria’s Lagos, Abuja and Ogun states were put on lockdown that ended in May to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The country has so far confirmed 14,554 cases of coronavirus.