COVID-19: Key Issues & Our Crisis Management Response

COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND IMPACT ON BUSINESSES IN NIGERIA: NO LONGER BUSINESS AS USUAL

The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is not only a grave healthcare concern but also, and of equal significance, a serious economic challenge. With the pandemic still ravaging countries and spreading across the world, forcing countries to undertake different measures in a bid to halt or reduce the spread of the virus, the effect on businesses and their activities will be manifold. Many countries have closed their borders, banned international flights, restricted movement, etc. From the world-leading economies of United States of America, China, Japan, Germany, India, United Kingdom, Italy, France, Canada, to smaller emerging economies in the Middle East and Africa, millions of people are constrained to stay at home causing one of the greatest manpower reduction in history.

In Nigeria, the Federal government has recently reacted to the outbreak of COVID-19 in the country by signing into law, the COVID-19 Regulations further to the Quarantine Act Cap Q2 LFN 2004 (Quarantine Act). Before the regulations, the Federal government had closed all borders. Also, at the declaration of COVID-19 as a pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO), some State Governments had, as well as dealing with the health issues, closed schools and restricted gatherings to a limited number, whilst some organisations had instructed their employees to stay home. The healthcare challenge and the restrictions in movement will no doubt have an impact on business. This piece will consider some of the legal cum commercial issues that would arise concerning:

1. Employee Relations and Workforce Management
2. Commercial Contracts & Obligations
3. Supply Chain and Distribution
4. Cyber Security & Data Privacy
5. Government Response, Regulatory Communication and Issues

Read full article here.

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It is our hope that the resources provided here offer assurances to our clients and the business community, that these precautionary steps, along with the continued proactivity of our Crisis Management Team, have a single purpose – to protect our clients and their business interests, as well as our employees and Jackson, Etti & Edu’s operations.

Contact Crisis Management Team as follows:

Uwa Ohiku
Partner, Intellectual Property
Email Uwa

Fola Olusanya
Partner, Corporate Commercial
Email Fola

Asamah Kadiri
Partner, Litigation & Dispute Resolution
Email Asamah

Obafemi Agaba
Partner, Brand Protection & Anti-Counterfeiting
Email Obafemi

Taiwo Adeshina
Partner, Corporate Commercial
Email Taiwo