How Southeast Nigeria Loses N4.6 Trillion Yearly to IPOB Sit-at-Home Protests

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The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) enforced sit-at-home protests have caused severe socio-economic and security disruption in Southeast Nigeria, with micro-businesses losing N4.6 trillion yearly, according to an SBM Intelligence report. The report found that the region suffered an estimated cumulative loss of over N7.6 trillion over four years, with SMEs, markets, and supply chains remaining crippled.

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. According to the report, income drops of 50 to 70 percent were widespread, with a seamstress’s earnings falling from N100,000 to N27,000.

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“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. The Southeastern commercial hubs, such as Onitsha and Ariaria, saw near-total shutdowns on Mondays, paralyzing local trade and disrupting supply chains nationwide.

The report also found that the security situation in the region has worsened, with a sharp five-year rise in violence. “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,” the report stated.

The IPOB’s armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), has been linked to violent clashes with state security forces, often using guerrilla-style attacks on police and military facilities. The report noted that the government’s heavy-handed response 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. The SBM Intelligence survey explored data from the SBM Violence Tracker, surveys, and interviews to analyze the protests’ consequences in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states from September to October 2024

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