Nigeria, March 24 -- Loud music, dancing groups, and choice meals are regular features at funeral ceremonies, especially in the southern part of Nigeria.

A lavish funeral is a status symbol of sorts and families of the bereaved - particularly the affluent - try to go the extra mile to organise elaborate ceremonies for their departed.

But the outbreak of COVID-19 in Nigeria, in February 2020, resulting in restriction of movements, religious and public gatherings, as well as the use of face masks and observance of other protocols, has shown that burial ceremonies do not have to be luxurious.

In 2019, the Kogi State government came under fire after the governor, Yahaya Bello, appropriated, for himself and his deputy, N14 million for stagi...