- SME Workers in Nasarawa LGA, Kano State, have protested against a recent electricity tariff hike, claiming it threatens their jobs and business survival.
- The Kano State Government has promised to address the concerns of the protesting SME operators and review the tariff increase to prevent potential business closures.
Workers from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nasarawa Local Government Area of Kano State have protested against a recent hike in electricity tariffs, which threatens their livelihoods. The demonstrators argue that the increased costs could force many SMEs to cease operations, potentially leading to job losses and economic hardship in the region.
Aisha Abdullahi, a spokesperson for the female protesters, expressed deep concern over the impact of the tariff increase on their daily lives. She emphasised that many SME operators are struggling to cope with the new rates and are considering shutting down their businesses.
Abdullahi highlighted that for the past five days, many companies have halted operations due to the tariff hike, and the situation remains uncertain if the increases persist. “We have nothing but this job. We didn’t ask for government jobs anywhere. We are here managing the little earnings to keep body and soul alive. Unfortunately, we are going to be pushed out,” Abdullahi said. She urged the relevant authorities to reconsider the tariff increase to prevent further economic distress.
Alhaji Isma’ila Shehu Dakata, one of the local SME operators, echoed these concerns, stating that the increased tariffs are unmanageable for many small businesses. He described the hike as lacking empathy for the struggles of local entrepreneurs. He called for a review of the decision to prevent the economic collapse of SMEs in the area.
In response to the protests, Alhaji Zilkifilu Alhassan, a representative of the Kano State Government, assured the demonstrators that the state government would intervene in the matter. Alhassan acknowledged the severity of the situation and pledged to address the concerns of the SME operators. He requested that the business owners refrain from closing their operations while the government seeks to resolve the issue.
The protest highlights the broader issue of utility costs’ impact on small businesses, which are often more vulnerable to financial pressures. The demonstrators’ calls for a review of the tariff increase underscore the critical need for policies that balance utility providers’ financial sustainability with the economic realities of small business owners.