Abstract.
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial role in fostering economic development, employment generation, and innovation, which are essential for a nation like Nigeria. In Southeast Nigeria, SMEs contribute significantly to national growth through trade expansion, job creation, and capital formation. However, increasing insecurity—manifested in the activities of armed groups, frequent kidnappings, political unrest, and separatist movements—has posed serious threats to their survival and daily operations.
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial role in fostering economic development, employment generation, and innovation, which are essential for a nation like Nigeria. In Southeast Nigeria, SMEs contribute significantly to national growth through trade expansion, job creation, and capital formation. However, increasing insecurity—manifested in the activities of armed groups, frequent kidnappings, political unrest, and separatist movements—has posed serious threats to their survival and daily operations.