Kano power outage crisis worsens as persistent blackouts and heat disrupt businesses, force closures, and spark community protests

Persistent electricity shortages across Kano State, have triggered widespread economic disruption as the Kano power outage crisis deepens, forcing small businesses to shut down and leaving residents struggling amid rising temperatures.

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A survey conducted across several communities including Naibawa, Unguwar Uku, Mariri, Ja’en, Fagge, Gyadi-Gyadi, Hotoro and Sheka, as well as outlying local government areas such as Bichi, Wudil and Doguwa, revealed that many households now endure days without power, while others receive supply for less than an hour, often at night when it is least useful.

The situation has placed significant pressure on businesses reliant on electricity. In Sharada, a cold drinks vendor, Hajiya Binta, described how erratic supply has forced her to abandon the use of refrigerators for storage, relying instead on purchased ice that has become increasingly expensive.

Similarly, a 27-year-old apprentice welder in Hotoro, Sulaiman Baba, said his workshop has been rendered inactive due to the absence of power.

He noted that attempts to operate during brief late-night supply windows are no longer viable, prompting him to shift to carpentry to sustain his livelihood.

Some residents have turned to alternative energy sources in response to the ongoing crisis. In Ja’en, Ashiru Tukur, a father of three, said he opted to install a solar system after disconnecting from the national grid, citing repeated billing despite minimal electricity supply.

His decision reflects a growing trend among households seeking more reliable solutions outside the national grid.

Amid the mounting frustration, residents of Bichi Local Government Area have reportedly suspended payment of electricity bills to the Kano Electricity Distribution Company until supply improves.

The decision, announced by a local development association, underscores the level of discontent within affected communities.

At the federal level, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, recently apologised to Nigerians for the persistent outages, attributing the challenges in part to inadequate gas supply and infrastructure constraints.

He assured that measures were underway to stabilise electricity generation and improve supply within weeks.

Despite such assurances, public confidence remains low, with criticism intensifying over perceived disparities in electricity access. Concerns have also been raised about budgetary allocations for alternative energy projects in government facilities, even as ordinary citizens continue to face unreliable supply.

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As heat levels rise and outages persist, residents and business owners across Kano say the situation is increasingly unsustainable, calling for urgent and lasting reforms to restore stability to the power sector and protect livelihoods.