Southeast Sit-at-Home Costs Micro-Businesses N4.6trn Yearly – Report
The enforced sit-at-home protests by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) may have caused severe socio-economic and security disruption in Southeast with micro-businesses losing N4.6 trillion yearly, according to an SBM Intelligence report.
The report found that while the region suffered an estimated cumulative loss of over N7.6 trillion over four years, SMEs, markets, and supply chains remained crippled.
According to the SBM Intelligence report, the transport sector reportedly suffered daily losses of up to N13 billion at the height of the protests, while transporters forfeited N10 billion to N13 billion daily during protests.
The SBM Intelligence survey explored data from the SBM Violence Tracker, surveys, and interviews to analyse the protests’ consequences in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states from September to October 2024.
The report stated that income drops of 50 to 70 per cent were widespread, exemplified by a seamstress’s earnings falling from N100,000 to N27,000.
The sit-at-home protests, according to the report, caused a 50 to 70 per income drop for most, though POS agents gained customers. Transport costs likely rose due to limited hours as low-skilled workers saw salary cuts, and students faced academic disruption.
The report found that reduced earnings hindered savings as artisans and students were worst hit, while 90 per cent opposed the protests due to economic harm.
The report stated that the Southeastern commercial hubs such as Onitsha and Ariaria saw near-total shutdowns on Mondays, paralysing local trade and disrupting supply chains nationwide.
According to SBM, the education sector was also badly affected, with students missing crucial classes and national examinations, including WAEC and NECO, further jeopardising long-term human capital development.
“Education is disrupted, with students missing exams and schools relocating classes to Saturdays. Job losses, salary cuts, and collapsed savings schemes deepen poverty,” the report stated.
SMB Violence Tracker reported that Southeast faced a deepening security crisis with a sharp five-year rise in violence, noting that while no state is spared, Imo and Anambra are worst hit during IPOB/ESN activity and state responses.
Giving a breakdown on security, the report noted that within 2021-2025, there were 776 fatalities and 332 violent incidents between 2021 and 2025.
Further findings showed that Imo State recorded 130 incidents with 332 deaths and Anambra had 94 incidents, 202 deaths as epicentres.
According to the report, violence surged in 2024 with 133 incidents and 313 deaths, a threefold increase from 2023. The report stated that the IPOB’s armed wing, the ESN, and criminal gangs exploit the chaos, targeting civilians and security forces.
“More than 700 people have reportedly been killed in IPOB-related violence between 2021 and 2025. Imo State has seen the highest number of incidents and fatalities, while Ebonyi has recorded the lowest.
“Founded in December 2020, the Eastern Security Network (ESN) was set up by IPOB in response to what it described as the Nigerian government’s failure to safeguard the lives and property of Igbo people.”
According to IPOB, the ESN’s purpose was to protect rural communities from armed groups, including Fulani herdsmen, who were allegedly destroying farmland and endangering lives. However, the group has since been linked to violent clashes with state security forces, often using guerrilla-style attacks on police and military facilities, further escalating the insecurity in the region.
“The government’s heavy-handed response, through military operations like Python Dance and Crocodile Smile, has drawn criticism for alleged rights violations, further straining relations with local communities. A long-term solution will require more than force; it demands structural reforms, meaningful political dialogue, and genuine efforts to rebuild trust in the Southeast,” the report stated.
