End Sars Protest and Socio-Economic Development of Calabar Metropolis, Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the connection between the socioeconomic development and the End SARS protest, concentrating on the Calabar Metropolis in the state of Cross River. The study primarily looked at how the Calabar Metropolis, Cross River State, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and infrastructure were vandalized as a result of the End SARS protest. In the investigation, the structural functional theory was used. Information was gathered from primary and secondary sources. To pick 400 respondents, the study used basic random and systematic sampling procedures. Data was gathered using a 28-item questionnaire named "End SARS protest and Socio-Economic Development." The statistical analysis tool used for the analysis was the chi-square method. With three degrees of freedom, two hypotheses were developed and evaluated at the 0.05 level of significance. The results demonstrated that in Calabar Metropolis, Cross River State, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and vandalism of infrastructure facilities have a substantial negative link with the End SARS protest. The results suggest that the End SARS protests caused significant damage to infrastructure and caused small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to incur significant losses. The government, affluent Nigerians, and owners of commercial banks were advised to donate to the reconstruction of the damaged infrastructure due to the substantial influence these facilities have on economic growth and development. In order to help many SMEs that are on the verge of failing to revive after the End SARS Protest, it was also suggested that the government, working with policy makers, provide unconditional grants and credit facilities to SMEs owners in Calabar Metropolis and throughout Nigeria. Finally, it was suggested that in order to strengthen and protect citizens' rights, the government implement significant police force changes. The investigation came to the conclusion that the frail Nigerian economy was severely impacted by the End SARS protest.