THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THE DEMOLITIONS ON SMALL BUSINESSES IN BAUCHI STATE: A CASE STUDY OF BAUCHI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA.

This study examined the socio-economic impact of demolition on small businesses in Bauchi Local Government Area, with the aim of understanding how government-led demolition exercises affect the livelihood, income, employment, and sustainability of small-scale enterprises. The research was guided by four specific objectives: to assess the economic consequences of demolition on small business owners, to evaluate the social effects on affected individuals and communities, to identify the coping strategies adopted by business owners, and to investigate the role of government interventions in mitigating these impacts. A descriptive survey research design was employed, and data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 120 randomly selected small business owners whose shops or business premises were affected by recent demolition exercises in the area. The data were analyzed using frequency and percentage distributions, presented in tables, while the thematic analysis was used for the qualitative aspect of the study. The findings revealed that demolition exercises significantly disrupted the income and financial stability of small business owners, led to loss of employment, and adversely affected household welfare. Socially, many respondents reported psychological stress, breakdown in community relationships, and disruption in children’s education. Despite these challenges, several coping strategies were adopted, including relocation, diversification, and informal loans. However, government interventions were found to be inadequate, with most respondents indicating a lack of proper compensation, poor stakeholder engagement, and insufficient post-demolition support. The study concluded that while urban development and planning are essential, they must be implemented with sensitivity to the livelihoods of vulnerable populations. It recommended that government authorities adopt inclusive planning processes, ensure fair compensation, and implement comprehensive resettlement strategies to support affected businesses. The study also suggested further research on long-term economic recovery and comparative analysis across other regions in Nigeria. Keywords: Demolition, Small Businesses, Socio-Economic Impact, Urban Development, Bauchi LGA, Government Intervention, Coping Strategies