IJLTEMAS International Journal of Latest Technology in Engineering, Management & Applied Science (IJLTEMAS) IJLTEMAS 2278-2540 IJLTEMAS 479 10.51583/IJLTEMAS.2026.150900129 Social Sciences Sit-at-Home Orders and Regional Economic Development in South-East Nigeria: An Empirical Investigation Ifeanyichukwu Franklyn (PhD) Ohiri University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo, Imo State. Nigeria Raymond Onyedikachukwu (PhD) Omeni-Pius University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo, Imo State. Nigeria Izuchukwu Goodluck Anugwom Imo State University Owerri. Nigeria 15 9 2659 2685 28 09 2026 03 10 2026 19 10 2026 Sit-at-Home Orders; Regional Economic Development; Per Capita Income; Poverty Rate; Unemployment Rate; South-East Nigeria; Panel Regression. Abstract

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.

 References Akomolafe, O. A., & Akpan, U. (2024). Information cues and fear as moderators of the predictors of compliance to Indigenous People of Biafra sit-at-home communication messages among small-scale business operators in South-East Nigeria. Communication and the Public, *9*(3), 262–276. Anodi, K. C., Ezeanokwasa, F. C., Attah, A. P., Ezenwuba, O. J., Edibo, E. A., & Nwagbala, S. C. (2026). Impact of Monday sit-at-home calls on informal street businesses in South-East Nigeria. Journal of African Business and Economic Research, *15*(1), 45–62. Anoke, C. I., et al. (2024). Devastating socio-economic effects of sit-at-home orders on small and medium enterprises in South-East Nigeria: A call for resilience and recovery. International Journal of Advanced Research, *12*(3), 45–62. Edesiri, G. O., & Egbunike, P. A. (2016). Economic implications of insecurity in Nigeria: A study of peace accounting. African Journal of Economic Studies, *8*(2), 112–125. Ejiofor, O. E., Nwangwu, C., Ume, C., Onah, O. G., Chiemela, C. J., & Omeje, E. E. (2026). Unlocking critical insights into the perceived effects of the Indigenous People of Biafra’s sit-at-home protests on producers and marketers of perishable crops in Southeastern Nigeria. Conflict Resolution Quarterly, *44*(1), e70044. Enyi, P. E., Akintoye, I. R., & Ajibade, A. (2020). Peace accounting and its implication on economic development in Nigeria. The International Journal of Business & Management, *8*(3), 162–168. Ifekwe, B. C. (2025). Economic sustainability of the South-East region in the context of persistent sit-at-home orders. Nigerian Journal of Economic and Social Studies, *67*(2), 112–130. Ijeomah, M. C. (2014). Fundamentals of peace accounting: A conceptual approach. Nigerian Journal of Accounting Research, *6*(1), 22–35. Ikpozu, C., et al. (2024). Effects of sit-at-home orders on trade and investment in South-East Nigeria. Journal of Development and Economic Studies, *12*(3), 78–95. Irem, C. O., Nwire, O. S., Nwogo, O. O., & Egba, N. V. (2026). The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) agitation and its socio-economic implications in South East Nigeria. African Journal of Politics and Administrative Studies, *19*(2), 1–22. Johnson, J. O. (2016). Peace accounting and economic growth in Nigeria (MPRA Paper No. 99464). Munich Personal RePEc Archive. National Bureau of Statistics. (2022). Nigeria multidimensional poverty index (2022). National Bureau of Statistics. National Bureau of Statistics. (2024). Nigeria labour force survey. National Bureau of Statistics. Nwagbala, S. C., Ezenenwu, O. C., Ezeanokwasa, F. C., Okwudiri, E. I., & Anodi, K. C. (2026). Effect of sit-at-home orders on the effectiveness of strategic leadership in Onitsha Main Market, Anambra State. African Journal of Management and Business Research, *14*(1), 89–106. Nwankwo, C. (2023). Sit-at-home orders and micro and small businesses in South-East Nigeria. Journal of Small Business and Entrepreneurship, *11*(2), 45–62. Obona, E. E. (2023). Sit-at-home order and poverty in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Journal of Poverty and Social Justice, *31*(2), 201–218. OECD. (2018). OECD regions and cities at a glance 2018. OECD Publishing. Ogba, M. C., Akogwu, C. J., & Ezeh, K. D. (2023). Sit-at-home order and socio-economic development in the Southeast: Implications. South East Political Science Review, *8*(1), 1–18. Oghoghomeh, T., & Ironkwe, U. (2020). The impact of security expenditure on economic growth in Nigeria. Journal of Economic Policy, *15*(2), 89–104. Ohiri, I. F. (2026). Sit-at-home orders and regional economic development in South-East Nigeria: An empirical investigation [Unpublished manuscript]. Okechukwu, E. C., & Ifekwe, B. C. (2025). Sit-at-home orders and job security among traders and business owners in the South-East. Nigerian Journal of Labour and Employment Studies, *9*(1), 34–52. Okere, P. A., Towolawi, B., & Okere, C. (2023). Peace accounting and sustainable development in Nigeria. International Journal of Economics and Finance, *14*(1), 56–70. Okoro, A. S., & Egberi, A. E. (2020). The cost of conflict: A peace accounting perspective in Nigeria. Journal of African Economic Studies, *9*(3), 34–49. Okpoko, C. C., Onyishi, C. J., & Okeke, C. O. (2025). Public perceptions of the effect of IPOB sit-at-home orders on economic and educational development in South-East Nigeria. Journal of African Economic Development, *22*(4), 567–589. Orji, U. O., & Anaukwu, C. E. (2023). Enforcement of sit-at-home orders and economic activities in South-East Nigeria, 2021–2023. African Journal of Conflict Resolution, *23*(2), 45–68. Ozibo, E., & Okorie, N. (2022). Sit-at-home orders and economic growth in South-Eastern Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Economic Research, *19*(2), 45–62. SBM Intelligence. (2025). Four years of disruption: Unmasking the impact of IPOB’s sit-at-home order in Southeast Nigeria. SBM Intelligence. Taro Yamane, T. (1967). Statistics: An introductory analysis (2nd ed.). Harper and Row. World Bank. (2023). Nigeria country partnership framework. World Bank Group. World Bank. (2024). World development indicators. World Bank Group.