Craftsmen and small business owners in Kano State have raised alarm over ongoing power outages, warning that the unstable electricity supply is severely hampering their operations.
On Sunday, May 18, 2025, several affected residents shared how the power challenges are reducing productivity and driving up their operational costs.
Malam Idi Ali, a welder from Kofar Ruwa, revealed he spends about N5,000 daily on fuel to keep his generator running due to the unreliable power supply.
“We hardly get power for two hours a day. I’ve lost customers because I can’t meet deadlines. It’s becoming unbearable,” he lamented.
Similarly, Amina Rabiu, who runs a frozen food business in Sabon Gari, reported losses after frequent power failures caused her goods to spoil.
Fashion designer Stella Simon from Fagge also expressed frustration, saying the prolonged power cuts have kept her from fulfilling customer orders for weeks.
“We’ve had no electricity for almost two days. I rely on a generator, but fuel prices have soared. I depend on power to preserve my stock, yet I use generators all day and still lose money. It’s very frustrating,” she said.
Tailor Abba Kabir from Dakata disclosed that the power crisis forced him to reduce his workforce.
“I cannot keep paying employees when there’s no electricity to run my machines. We urgently need intervention from the government or Kano Electricity Development Company (KEDCO),” he urged.
Attempts to reach Mr. Sani Bala, Head of Corporate Communications at KEDCO, for comments were unsuccessful.
