SMEs Workers in Kano Take to the Streets to Protest Rising Electricity Tariffs

Small-scale enterprises (SMEs) in the Dakata/Sauna area of Nassarawa Local Government Area, Kano State, on Saturday staged a peaceful protest against the recent electricity tariff increase imposed by the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO).

The protest was driven by concerns over the severe impact of the tariff hike on their livelihoods, with many SMEs contemplating shutting down operations due to the unaffordable new rates.

Aisha Abdullahi, speaking on behalf of the female protesters, highlighted the dire situation, stating, "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."

She further emphasized that the operators of the SMEs are planning to shut down operations because they can’t afford the new tariff, adding, "For five days now, we haven’t worked, and only God knows what will happen should the SMEs operators decide to shut down completely due to the electricity tariff hike. We are appealing for authorities concerned to review this increase."

Alhaji Isma’ila Shehu Dakata, an SME operator in the area, criticized the 300% increase in tariffs, describing it as unaffordable and insensitive to the economic hardships faced by many operators. He mentioned that some operators are considering alternative ventures due to the financial strain.

Meanwhile, Alhaji Zilkifilu Alhassan, the Kano State Government representative in the area, assured that he would address the issue with the state government and requested that operators refrain from shutting down their businesses.

The protest signifies the broader nationwide discontent over rising living costs since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration began in May 2023. The removal of fuel subsidies, hike in electricity tariffs, and increased customs duties have exacerbated the economic challenges faced by Nigerians, leading to widespread protests.

In response to the tariff hike, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) cited several factors, including the rising cost of gas for power generation and the devaluation of the Nigerian Naira. The tariff increase aims to reduce the government's subsidy burden, which has become increasingly unsustainable.

However, the hike has sparked considerable opposition from citizens and labor unions, who argue that it will drive manufacturers out of business, worsen inflation, and stifle small and medium enterprises.