FCT Traders Count Losses As Power Fails

Voices from the Ground

Businesses Struggling Under Epileptic Power Supply

SMALL business owners across parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are raising alarm over worsening electricity supply, warning that prolonged outages are pushing many enterprises to the brink of collapse.

From welders and cold room operators to fashion designers and petty traders, residents say unreliable power has made it increasingly difficult to sustain businesses, despite repeated assurances of reforms and investments in Nigeria’s power sector.

Speaking in Abuja on Sunday, affected entrepreneurs lamented that while billions of naira have reportedly been injected into electricity generation and distribution, the impact is yet to be felt at the grassroots.

“Billions Spent, But Darkness Remains”

Mr. Emeka Uba, a welder based in Lugbe, said the sector’s challenges have persisted despite frequent government announcements of massive funding.

“Every day we hear of billions invested in power,” he said. “But it does not reflect in the electricity we receive. Businesses are folding up daily.”

Uba explained that his area sometimes goes without electricity for up to three days, making it impossible to operate his welding equipment.

“I don’t even have money to buy fuel for my big generator,” he said. “I am seriously considering quitting this work and finding something else that does not require electricity.”

Cold Room Operators Count Losses

For cold room operators, the situation is even more dire. Mrs. Irene Amah, who runs a cold room business in Lugbe, said unstable electricity has resulted in constant spoilage of frozen food items.

“My goods go bad regularly because of poor power supply,” she said. “Running a generator all day is too expensive. I’m thinking of quitting before the losses finish me.”

Amah noted that many small-scale operators in similar businesses have already shut down due to rising operational costs linked to fuel and generator maintenance.

Missed Opportunities During Festive Season

In Kubwa, fashion designer Mr. Amos Osahon said erratic electricity affected his business during the recent festive season, a period typically marked by high customer demand.

“I couldn’t meet my customers’ deadlines because there was no steady power,” he said. “Many customers left angry.”

Osahon appealed to the Federal Government to urgently intervene, stressing that unreliable electricity continues to undermine small-scale entrepreneurship.

Survival at Risk for Small Retailers

Mrs. Angela Pam, who operates a small retail shop in Kubwa selling sachet water and soft drinks, said her business depends entirely on electricity.

“My area has been without power for two days,” she said. “I can’t cool my drinks. Buying ice blocks daily means there will be no profit left.”

Pam added that the business is her family’s main source of income and appealed to authorities to improve electricity supply nationwide.

Calls for Urgent Government Action

In Kuje, businessman Mr. Samuel Ozigbo described power supply as heavily rationed.

“Even on days electricity is scheduled, we don’t get it,” he said. “In 2026, the government must ensure reliable power supply.”

As frustration grows, small business owners say stable electricity remains critical to economic survival, warning that without urgent intervention, more livelihoods will be lost.