Sit-at-Home Orders and Regional Economic Development in South-East Nigeria: An Empirical Investigation

This study examines the association between Sit-at-Home Orders (SAHO) and selected indicators of regional economic development in South-East Nigeria over the period 2021–2025. Specifically, the study examines the relationship between SAHO and Per Capita Income (PCI), Poverty Rate (POVR), and Unemployment Rate (UR) across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States.
The study adopts an ex-post facto design supported by survey evidence and a state-year panel framework. Information on the incidence and intensity of Sit-at-Home Orders was obtained through a structured questionnaire, while economic-development indicators were obtained from official statistical sources. The analysis employs panel regression techniques subject to the identification and variation available in the SAHO measure. The results indicated negative association between SAHO and Per Capita Income and positive associations between SAHO and Poverty Rate and Unemployment Rate. However, the results are interpreted as associations rather than causal effects because the study period contains only 25 state-year observations and the SAHO measure exhibits limited cross-state variation. The study recommends measures aimed at improving security, restoring economic continuity, protecting employment and strengthening household livelihoods in South-East Nigeria.

Sit-at-Home Orders; Regional Economic Development; Per Capita Income; Poverty Rate; Unemployment Rate; South-East Nigeria; Panel Regression.

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