Geospatial Assessment of Covid-19 Spread in Nigeria

The first confirmed case of COVID-19 was reported in Nigeria on 27^th February 2020, the infected person is a 44-year-old Italian citizen who arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos on 24^th February 2020. The number of confirmed cases rose to 8,344 with 249 deaths, 2,385 discharged cases and 5,710 active cases (https://covid19.ncdc.gov.ng, accessed on 27^th May 2020 10:45am) within thirteen weeks the first case was reported. The spread of COVID-19 as wildfire has covered thirty-four (34) states of the federation including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The spread in Nigeria with an estimated population of over 206 million has been a major concern to the Federal and State governments. Lagos and Kano are the most populous states and have recorded highest number of confirmed cases in the country. Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) released guidelines to reduce the spread of COVID-19 which include social distancing, frequent washing of hands, avoiding crowded places and physical contact, use of face masks, etc. Records have shown that the worst-hit places are urban centres such as Lagos, Ibadan, Kano, Oshogbo, FCT, Kaduna, etc. COVID-19 risk factors in Nigeria include international exposure, high poverty level in the country, poor healthcare systems, population and crowded urban areas, internally displaced persons. This study aimed at using geospatial technologies to assess the spatial spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria while the objectives involved identifying risk factors, urban land use patterns, household living conditions and health facilities in Nigeria. Methodology included the use of administrative map of Nigeria, projected population data and COVID-19 data to generate land use map, population density and other products in GIS environment. The study recommended that both federal and state government should equip the treatment centres with basic health facilities and motivate health workers for optimal performance. Government should also assist farmers with seedlings, fertilisers and soft loans to ensure food security in the country.