An assessment by the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics indicates that Nigeria's economy will go into a recession at an average of -4.4 per cent, the finance minister, Zainab Ahmed, has said.
A country's economy goes into recession when its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reduces for two consecutive quarters.
Mrs Ahmed's statement suggests Nigeria's GDP would reduce for the first quarter of 2020 and reduce further for the second quarter, indicating an official recession.
Nigeria also closed a large part of her economy to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Mrs Ahmed also spoke on why Nigeria was gradually re-opening its economy despite a daily increase in coronavirus cases.
