This archive report was first published on 17 May 2020.
On March 21, 2020, I embarked on a one-week trip to Lagos, Nigeria, despite the growing concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic. Nairobi's first case had been announced just a week prior, and I was aware of the rumors about an impending lockdown. However, I reassured myself that I would be back home before things got worse.
As I checked in for my flight at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, I noticed that some people had worn masks and gloves, but I didn't think much of it. I had neither, and I used a tiny bottle of sanitiser every time I touched a surface.
At the boarding counter, the crew asked me how I intended to return to the country, a question that struck me as unusual. When I asked them why, they simply smiled and wished me well. These subtle warnings were ignored, and I boarded the aircraft, settling into my seat as we took off.
As we flew over the continent, I couldn't help but feel a sense of alarm. The majority of the passengers were Nigerians, likely returning home. I tried to comfort myself, thinking that one week wouldn't be so bad, but the ominous possibilities lingered in my mind.
Little did I know that I would be stuck in Nigeria for an extended period, caught in the midst of a global pandemic. My story serves as a cautionary tale, a reminder to be vigilant and prepared for the unexpected.
Diana Ndinda is Research Manager, Transform Research Limited. She has been stuck in Nigeria since March 21, 2020.
