Persistent power outages across Kano State have worsened living conditions for residents and small business owners, as extended blackouts occurring alongside rising temperatures continue to disrupt daily life and economic activities.

A survey by UGAMATV indicates that many communities now go for days without electricity, while some areas receive power for less than an hour, often late at night when most people are already asleep.

Affected locations include Naibawa, Unguwar Uku, Mariri, Ja’en, Fagge, Gyadi-Gyadi, Hotoro and Sheka within Kano metropolis, as well as local government areas such as Gabasawa, Wudil, Doguwa, Bichi, Tsanyawa, Bunkure and Kibiya. Residents say the situation has become extremely difficult.

Businesses Struggle and Adapt

The unreliable electricity supply has taken a toll on businesses.

Hajiya Binta, who sells cold drinks in Sharada, said the poor supply has severely affected her trade and forced her to stop relying on refrigerators. She explained that the fridges she purchased now function mainly as containers for storing ice, as she now buys ice daily to keep drinks cold. According to her, the cost of ice has risen to about ₦500, especially during Ramadan when demand for chilled drinks increases. She added that the situation has reduced her income and made sustaining the business harder.

Similarly, Sulaiman Baba, a 27-year-old apprentice welder in Hotoro, said their workshop has halted operations because of the lack of electricity. He explained that previously, their boss waited until midnight when electricity occasionally came on to continue work until morning, but the supply has now become too unreliable. As a result, he has temporarily switched to carpentry to earn a living.

Residents Seek Alternatives, Make Allegations

Some residents who can afford it have turned to solar energy as an alternative. Ashiru Tukur, a father of three living in Ja’en, said he disconnected from the national grid after installing a solar system because he was receiving bills despite minimal electricity supply. He noted that in some months, households receive less than 10 hours of electricity, which he considered unfair.

Meanwhile, some residents, speaking anonymously, alleged that certain small businesses such as ice producers may be influencing electricity distribution to secure better supply. However, these claims have not been verified.

Bichi Community Suspends Bill Payments

The crisis has also sparked organised resistance in some areas. Residents of Bichi Local Government Area have decided to stop paying electricity bills to the Kano Electricity Distribution Company until power supply improves significantly.

The decision was announced in a statement issued by the Public Relations Secretary of the Sodangi Development Association (BISDA), Comrade Na’allazi Bichi. The association stated that the action followed complaints that the company had failed to meet its obligations to the community. Residents were therefore directed to suspend payments until noticeable improvement is achieved.

Na’allazi Bichi added that discussions had already taken place with representatives of KEDCO and security officials after the decision was made, during which the community maintained its stance.

Federal Government Apologises

The development comes shortly after the Federal Government apologised to Nigerians over persistent nationwide power outages. The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, made the apology during a press briefing in Abuja.

He acknowledged that the outages have caused significant discomfort, especially amid the extreme heat, and admitted that homes, businesses and institutions have been affected. However, he assured Nigerians that steps are being taken to stabilise the electricity supply and expressed hope that improvements would begin within two weeks as gas supply issues are addressed and critical infrastructure repaired.

He also revealed that the government has established a special committee to ensure gas suppliers comply with requirements needed to boost electricity generation.

Criticism Over Presidential Villa Solar Project

Despite these assurances, many Nigerians remain dissatisfied, particularly following the allocation of ₦7 billion in the 2026 budget for a solar power project at the Presidential Villa. Critics argue that while such projects may guarantee steady electricity at the seat of government, millions of citizens continue to experience unreliable power supply.

According to a World Bank report, while countries such as Egypt and South Africa generate tens of thousands of megawatts of electricity, Nigeria has struggled to consistently produce between 4,000 and 5,000 megawatts for a population exceeding 200 million people for more than a decade.

Although power outages are a nationwide challenge, residents say the situation in Kano has become particularly severe. Attempts to reach the spokesperson of KEDCO in Kano for comments were unsuccessful.

As temperatures continue to rise and outages persist, residents and business owners say only lasting and practical improvements—not promises—will reduce the growing strain on livelihoods and restore confidence in the power sector.