- Agency Report
Craftsmen and small business owners in Kano State have expressed concern over the persistent power outages in the state, saying the situation is crippling their operations.
Some of the affected residents who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in interviews on Sunday said the poor electricity supply was affecting productivity and increasing operational costs.
Malam Idi Ali, a welder at Kofar Ruwa area, said he spends an average of N5,000 daily on fuel to power his generator due to the erratic electricity supply.
“We hardly get power for two hours in a day. I have lost customers because I cannot meet deadlines. It is becoming unbearable,” he said.
Another business owner, Amina Rabiu, who runs a frozen food business in Sabon Gari area, said she has incurred losses due to spoiled goods caused by power failure.
Stella Simon, a fashion designer in Fagge area, said the power situation had become so bad that she had been unable to meet her customers’ demands for weeks.
“We have not had electricity for almost two days now. I have to rely on a generator.
“Getting fuel to power it is expensive due to the increase in the pump price of fuel. I depend on electricity to preserve my stock.
“Now I use generators throughout the day and still lose money. It is frustrating,” she said.
Similarly, Abba Kabir, a tailor in Dakata area, said the situation had forced him to reduce his workforce.
“I cannot continue paying workers when there is no power to run my machines.
“We need urgent intervention from government or the electricity distribution company,” he said.
Efforts to get a response from the Head of Corporate Communications at the Kano Electricity Development Company (KEDCO), Mr Sani Bala, were unsuccessful. NAN