ASSESSMENT OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC AMONG THE RESIDENTS OF GWAGWALADA, FCT ABUJA, NIGERIA

Purpose: The emergence of COVID-19 and the measures put in place to curtail spread virus perceived hardship imposed on people prompted this study with view assess level awareness pandemic among residents Gwagwalada, examine their access basic health, social facilities identify needs support they received during lockdown.
 Methodology: A cross section survey research was employed a stratified random sampling selection respondents. Krejcie & Morgan, (1970) model use determining sample size, 373 respondents out 22308 population selected used for study. first respondent at subsequent ones systematically. were served questionnaire. information collected analyzed results presented tables percentages.
 Findings: showed that majority are within ages 30-39yrs which constituted 38.6%. It 55.4% married, 61% had tertiary education, 53.7% farmers, 18.3% civil servants. average monthly income between N18.000-N35, 000, 99% aware pandemic. About 39% them knew symptoms as cough, fever, tiredness, sore throat, difficulty breathing. Their sources include rumors (79%), networks (70%), TV/Radio jingles (75%). lockdown affected economic activities such family interaction, leisure, security others. Economic effects poverty, loss job, closure small medium scale businesses 87% indicated never any assistance/support lockdown. As coping strategies, sold assets, reduce rate consumption, play games, accepted low wages etcetera youths went into protest lead looting warehouses area search palliatives. recommends others, prompt economy recovery plans terms expanded palliatives, safety nets stimulus Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs).