THE DEVASTATING SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT OF SIT-AT-HOME ORDERS ON SMALL AND MEDIUM BUSINESSES IN SOUTH-EASTERN NIGERIA: A CALL FORRESILIENCE AND RECOVERY

The South-East region of Nigeria, known for its commercial vibrancy, has suffered severe economic setbacks due to the recurring sit-at-home order enforced by non-state actor, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB) every Monday. Between August 2021 and March 2025, 192 Mondays have been lost, disrupting business operations, leading to mass job losses, interruption with inter-movements and significantly reducing Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). Key trade hubs such as Onitsha, Aba, Enugu, and Nnewi have witnessed economic stagnation.Beyond economic losses, insecurity has worsened. Between July 2023 and July 2024, Anambra led in ransom payments for kidnappings, totaling a N 350 million,farexceeding Rivers States N67 million. The instability has deterred Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), between 2020 and 2023, the South-East attracted only 6% FDI due to the sit-at-home order. No new investors would want to invest in an insecure and hostile environment. The ease of doing business is getting low in the region. Prior to Monday sit-at-home order, the South-East consistently ranked as the top-performing region in WAEC and NECO results. However, repeated disruptions to the academic calendar due to enforced holidays have negatively impacted the region, contributing to a decline in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Many businesses have collapsed or relocated, rural markets have shut down, and professionals are fleeing, leading to a "brain drain."

This study systematically reviews reports from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), SMEDAN, and independent sources to quantify the economic impact. Between 2021 and 2023, businesses in the region lost between N655 billion and N3.8 trillion, with an estimated N88.08 billion lost every Monday. Anambra State alone accounts for over N38 billion in weekly losses and counting.The consequences extend beyond financial losses, rising employment, disrupted education, healthcare access, and increasing state borrowing that deepened social inequalities and weakened regions economic resilience. Urgent interventions are needed, including restoration of peace in the region, financial relief programs, improving security measures, and multi-stakeholder engagement to restore stability. A coordinated approach involving government, businesses, and civil society iscrucial to economic recovery. Addressing this crisis is vital not only for regional stability but for Nigerias broader economic resilience.