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Conflict and Economic Development in Southeast Nigeria: A Study of IPOB Sit-at-Home Order (2015–2025)

Nwobu Juliet Uloaku, Dr Jacob Ogedi

Abstract

This study investigates how conflict, exemplified by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) sit-at-home order, affects economic development in Southeast Nigeria between 2015 and 2025. A qualitative research design was employed, combining in-depth interviews, focus-group discussions, and document analysis. Findings reveal that the repeated Monday lockdowns and symbolic protest days have significantly reduced economic productivity across the region: business output declined by about 35 percent, household income by 40 percent, and labour- market participation by 20 percent, amounting to an estimated ?7.6 trillion loss from 2021 to 2025. The study concludes that the sit-at-home order, though intended as a non-violent protest, has evolved into a coercive routine undermining regional growth. It recommends constructive dialogue between the Federal Government and IPOB, the release of Nnamdi Kanu, and targeted recovery measures to rebuild investor confidence and livelihoods.

Keywords

IPOBSit-at-HomeConflictEconomic DevelopmentSoutheast Nigeria.

References

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