With the COVID-19 pandemic rocking the world as we know it, we are now faced with a reality separate from what we’ve always known. Right now, it is essential that we do our part to curtail the spread of the virus. In order to do this, we’re all social distancing, self-isolating or being quarantined as the case may be, to ensure we’re not being unassuming vectors. 

With a lockdown in effect in Lagos, Abuja and Ogun, we spoke to young Nigerians who were privileged to stock up while on lockdown. Here’s a collection of edible and social distancing essentials as told by actual humans who are now comfortable during a global lockdown:

Summayah, 28

We bought cat food, fruits and  I was able to snag a few tomatoes, chicken, beef and fish, snacks and drinks.

Avery, 21

For me, it’s cake, good wine and Wi-Fi. I feel like I’d survive anything with cake and wine. The real problem would begin if/when I run out of it. 

Zee and Odunayo, 24 and 25

For us, it’s pasta and noodles because they're versatile, non-perishable and easy to cook. Pepper for our Yoruba palates, juice and some ice cream for comfort food.

Akpevwe, 22

First of all, the most important item I got is toothpaste. There’s no way I’m risking being in lockdown and not being able to brush my teeth. Secondly, I got a big basket of tomatoes and peppers, two boxes of noodles, new solar panels and 2 extra batteries for my inverter (please don’t ask how much this cost) and several new books.

Dami, 28

Fresh veggies for stew, different meats, pasta, tinned tomatoes - all of which will be frozen. Then rice, baked beans, cereal, snacks, plantain chips, water, small amounts of perishable veggies like potatoes and plantain.

Jehoshaphat, 21

Shopping for me was pretty easy. I stocked up on cornflakes and milk because that’s pretty much all I eat. After that, I renewed my internet subscription, got some new books and two cartons of lemon drinks.

Halima, 25

Loads of salad veggies because of my diet and a lot of snacks because I can’t kill myself and I didn’t kill anyone.

Natasha, 23

Water and snacks. I’m mostly taken care of so the most important thing for me to buy for myself is water and snacks. Can’t imagine not being able to munch on some chips for two weeks or more.

Mae

I stocked up on lots of pepper, beverages, bread, drugs, meat, dried fish and dried kpomo.

Zainab, 27

For me, it’s noodles, pasta, groundnut, okra and ewedu for my baby.

Dave

It may seem a bit extra but I made a Coronavirus kit divided into three separate categories; frozen foods, canned foods and drinks. For frozen foods, I got chicken, seafood, stewing beef, ground beef/minced meat, sausages, french fries, bones for chicken stock, pepper mix, smoothie ingredients and frozen mixed veggies. For canned food, I got chopped tomatoes, tomato puree, coconut milk, corned beef, sardines, sweet corn, pasta, Indomie and cereal. For drinks, I did water, tea, wine and juices. I’m ready for the apocalypse.