1.1 Introduction
The End SARS (Special Anti-Robbery Squad) protests that swept across Nigeria in October 2020 were not only a call for an end to police brutality but also highlighted broader issues of governance, accountability, and socio-economic inequality. Amidst the widespread demonstrations and calls for reform, the impact on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) was significant. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of Nigeria's economy, accounting for a significant portion of employment and GDP. However, they are often disproportionately affected by social and political unrest due to their limited resources and vulnerabilities.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitation of the study and Definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
A protest is practically a demonstration by the public to portray their expression of objection or disapproval towards an idea or action in a polity. This demonstration can take different forms but the apex of it is taking to the street by the populace to publicly express their grievances to the government.
The EndSARS campaign movement dates back to 2017, where Nigerian youths used the hashtag to share their experiences on violence and assault perpetrated by the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). However, the movement only revived in early October, 2020 after a video emerged of police officers thought to be members of the SARS unit, allegedly killing an unarmed young man. This prompted Nigerian youths to troop to Twitter, calling on the Federal Government for police reform with the hashtag, #EndSARS, #Endpolicebrutality, and many more. The hashtag trended continuously on Twitter as Nigerian youths aired their pain and experiences online.
A viral message broadcast on social media suggested men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad SARS had gunned down a Nigerian youth, snatched his car, and sped off with it. As the video spread on Social media, the hashtag #ENDSARS started to garner momentum as more young people demanded an end to the brutal police unit that has for years brutalized young Nigerians.
On the 4th of October, 2020, the Nigerian Police Force, through the Inspector General of Police, announced the ban of SARS members and other Tactical Squads from carrying out routine patrols and other conventional low-risk duties, stop and search duties, checkpoints, mounting of roadblocks, traffic checks, etc with immediate effect.
On 7th October 2020, youths in Lagos State set out for a three-day protest to call for the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) unit of the Nigeria Police Force, as part of the push for reforms in the police system to put an end to the extra-judicial activities of the agency. Youths were seen marching to the Force Headquarters at Ikeja, carrying placards with various inscriptions such as “Protect, not exploit”, “Nigeria police stop killing us,” amongst other printed messages (nairametrics.com). This was the start of a 14-day protest that eventually turned violent and hijacked by hoodlums and resulted to the destruction, vandalizing and looting of public and private properties and Small and Medium Enterprises in the country.
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are non-subsidiary, independent firms/organizations which employ fewer numbers of employees. This number varies across countries. According to the European Union (EU), SMEs are categories of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises which employ fewer than 250 persons and which have an annual turnover not exceeding 50 million Euros. In Nigeria, the Central Bank of Nigeria in its monetary policies circular No. 22 of 1988 defined SMEs as enterprises which have an annual turnover not exceeding Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000). For the sake of clarity, the National Policy on Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) has given a clear distinction of enterprises, based on employment and Assets. SMEs are organizations which can best be described through their capital, scope and cost of projects, annual turnover, financial strength and number of employees amongst other things. Such organizations must and can be registered under any part of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) in order to do business in Nigeria. The small and medium scale enterprises sub sector of the economy holds the key to the nation’s quest for economic growth and development. Today, regardless of the level of growth and development the world over, countries continue to embark on viable policies and programs that would create and pave way for the sustainable development of their economies through SMEs development. Numerous studies have shown that small and medium scale enterprises act as a catalyst for growth and development of a national economy.
In recent decades, Nigeria has made it one of the nation’s prime objectives to expand its industrial base through creation, sustenance and growth of small and medium scale enterprises for attainment of economic growth. This has remained the focus of various administrations in Nigeria particularly during the present democratic dispensation. On the other hand, the decay of infrastructural facilities especially power, vandalization and looting has negatively affected the performance, growth and development of SMEs in Nigeria over the years.
Therefore, in Lagos State where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Effect of End Sars Protest on Small and Medium Enterprises.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that the End SARS protests caused widespread disruption to economic activities, including the operations of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This disruption may have led to financial losses, supply chain interruptions, and decreased consumer confidence among SMEs. Also, the protests and associated violence raised security concerns for SMEs, particularly those located in affected areas. Businesses may have faced challenges in ensuring the safety of their premises, employees, and assets during the unrest.
Additionally, the protests and subsequent calls for police reform may have created regulatory uncertainty for SMEs, impacting their ability to plan and make strategic decisions. Uncertainty surrounding law enforcement practices and regulations could deter investment and growth in the SME sector.
Furthermore, SMEs rely on stable market conditions to conduct business effectively. The End SARS protests may have hindered SMEs' access to markets, both domestically and internationally, leading to reduced sales and profitability. For this cause, this study seeks to investigate into the effect of the EndSARS protest on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Lagos State.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of End Sars protest on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Lagos State. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To explore the reputational damage suffered by SMEs as a result of their perceived involvement in or response to the protests;
- To examine the security concerns and challenges faced by SMEs in affected areas during the protests;
- To investigate the regulatory uncertainties and their implications for SME operations and planning;
- To identify best practices and strategies employed by SMEs to mitigate the impact of the protests and facilitate recovery;
- To assess the extent of economic disruption experienced by SMEs during the End SARS protests; and
- To provide recommendations for policymakers, business owners, and stakeholders to support SMEs in navigating future socio-political disruptions.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- Does SMEs suffer reputational damage as a result of their perceived involvement in or response to the protests?
- What is the extent of economic disruption experienced by SMEs during the End SARS protests?
- What are the security concerns and challenges faced by SMEs in affected areas during the protests?
- What are the effects of the protests on SMEs' access to markets and customer demand?
- What are the regulatory uncertainties and their implications for SME operations and planning?
- What are the best practices and strategies employed by SMEs to mitigate the impact of the protests and facilitate recovery?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
Hypothesis One
- H0: The End-SARS protest does not have any negative effect on Small and Medium Enterprises.
- H1: The End-SARS protest has negative effect on Small and Medium Enterprises.
1.7 Significance of Study
This study will be of benefit to the general public, business owners and government to realize the menace the End-SARS protest has caused to Small and Medium Enterprises and the economy. It will also bring to the notice of the government and policy makers the need to hearken to the plea of the protesters and put things right in the country. This study will also serve as a benchmark to researchers and students who may desire to carry out further research on this or related topic.
1.8 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the effect of EndSARS protest on Small and Medium Enterprises in Lagos State. The causes of the EndSARS protest and its negative effects on Small and Medium Enterprises in Lagos State will be examined. This study is limited to some selected SMEs owners in Lagos State.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
- Initial Cooperation Delay from Respondents: A particular limitation of this work came as a result of the respondent refusal to offer their cooperation at the initial time they were contacted. This contributed in making the success of this research study difficult.
1.10 Definition of Terms
End SARS Protests:
It is refers to the widespread demonstrations and social movements that occurred in Nigeria in October 2020, primarily calling for the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a unit of the Nigerian Police Force, and advocating for police reform and accountability.
EndSARS:
It is a social movement and series of mass protests calling on the disbanding of the SARS and against police brutality in Nigeria.
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs):
It is refers to businesses that have a relatively small number of employees and/or low annual turnover. In Nigeria, SMEs play a significant role in the economy, contributing to employment generation, innovation, and economic growth.
SARS:
Special Anti-Robbery Squad, a unit of Nigerian police force established to deal with crimes associated with robbery, motor vehicle theft, kidnapping, cattle rustling, and firearms.
Economic Disruption:
It is refers to the disturbance or interruption of normal economic activities within a region or sector. Economic disruptions can result from various factors, including social unrest, natural disasters, or economic crises, and may lead to decreased productivity, revenue losses, and supply chain disruptions for businesses.
Security Concerns:
It is refers to apprehensions or risks related to the safety and security of individuals, assets, or operations within a given environment. Security concerns may arise during periods of social unrest, such as protests or civil unrest, and can impact business operations and investment decisions.
Protest:
It is a statement or action expressing disapproval of or objection to something.
SMEs:
Small and Medium Enterprises are business that maintain revenues, assets or a number of employees below a certain limit.
Access to Markets:
It refers to the ability of businesses to reach and engage with customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders within domestic and international markets. Access to markets is essential for SMEs to sell products or services, expand their customer base, and generate revenue.
