In the wake of unprecedented challenges facing Northern Nigeria, the Arewa Entrepreneurship Frontier Network (AEFNet) must express its deep concerns over the prolonged electricity outages that have severely disrupted daily life, crippled small and medium-sized businesses, and pushed an already struggling economy further into hardship.
For a week now, large swathes of Northern Nigeria have experienced total blackouts, just after a national grid collapse, which left the entire country in darkness for two days – with no concrete information from the relevant authorities on restoration efforts.
While we recognize the complexities of the challenges facing Nigeria’s power sector, the silence from the federal government, particularly the Honourable Minister of Power and His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is deafening and disheartening. The government’s failure to publicly declare this as an emergency and address the issue urgently has left millions in despair. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and local entrepreneurs, who are the backbone of our economy, have been pushed to the brink, unable to operate efficiently amidst soaring fuel prices due to subsidy removal and incessant increase in fuel price. This energy crisis has exacerbated the harsh economic realities Nigerians face, with inflation driving up the cost of transportation, food, and basic services.
As an organization committed to empowering entrepreneurs in Northern Nigeria, we have witnessed firsthand the impact of this prolonged blackout on our community. Businesses that rely on a steady supply of power – from welding shops, tailoring centers, and barbershops to tech hubs, cold rooms, and bakeries – have been forced to shut down, leading to a loss of income for thousands of families. For many SMEs, the cost of running generators amidst skyrocketing fuel prices has become unsustainable, causing layoffs and forcing businesses to make impossible choices.
AEFNet, on behalf of the Northern business community, appeals to the federal government to take immediate and decisive action. This ongoing energy crisis is not merely an inconvenience – it is a profound disruption that threatens livelihoods, economic stability, and the overall well-being of Northern Nigeria.
We demand:
- An Immediate Response from the Government: We call on the Minister of Power to address the public on the efforts underway to restore stable electricity to the Northern region. Transparency and accountability in times like this are essential to maintaining public trust and morale.
- Recognition of the Crisis as an Emergency: This is an economic emergency. We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to recognize the severity of the situation and declare it a matter of national urgency. This declaration will demonstrate the government’s commitment to addressing the plight of its citizens.
- Urgent Power Sector Reforms: We appeal for swift and strategic reforms to improve the resilience of the power sector, preventing future occurrences and ensuring uninterrupted power supply across Nigeria, especially in Northern Nigeria, which has historically suffered neglect in infrastructure development.
- Provision of Alternative Power Solutions for SMEs and Entrepreneurs: We urge the government to provide immediate support by facilitating access to affordable alternative power sources, such as solar energy systems, for deserving SMEs and entrepreneurs. Offering solar solutions at a discounted rate or through subsidized programs will help reduce the reliance on grid power and mitigate the crippling effects of high cost of fuel. This support would empower small businesses to sustain operations and continue contributing to economic growth, even amidst the current power challenges.
- National Assembly Investigation: We call on the National Assembly to launch an immediate investigation into the persistent power outages across Northern Nigeria, including the recent national grid collapse and subsequent failure to restore stable electricity. This inquiry should seek accountability and provide transparent findings on the root causes of these disruptions, as well as outline actionable steps for sustainable power solutions. It is critical that those responsible are held accountable and that the government develops long-term strategies to prevent further hardship for Nigerians, especially the small business owners and entrepreneurs who rely on consistent power for their livelihoods.
At AEFNet, we remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting Northern Nigerian entrepreneurs, and we will continue to advocate for an enabling environment where businesses can thrive without the constant burden of energy insecurity. However, we cannot do this alone. We need the government to fulfill its responsibility to the people by restoring power, ensuring energy stability, and addressing the economic distress caused by this crisis.
The challenges we face today are profound, but with strong leadership, clear communication, and decisive action, we can overcome them. We urge the government to act now – not with words, but with concrete actions that will reassure the people of Northern Nigeria that they have not been forgotten.
Signed,
Mal. Aminu Kyari
Founder/Executive Director
Arewa Entrepreneurship Frontier Network (AEFNet)
October, 27 2024
