Extreme Heat, Blackouts Disrupt Businesses In Kano
Kano Residents Battle Heatwave, Erratic Electricity Supply
Rising Temperatures Trigger Hardship
RESIDENTS of Kano State have raised concerns over the persistent heatwave affecting the state and several parts of Northern Nigeria, lamenting that worsening electricity supply has deepened daily hardship and disrupted economic activities.
Many residents described the current weather conditions as one of the harshest experienced in recent years, with temperatures soaring during the day and remaining uncomfortable at night.
Speaking on the development, a resident, Rekiya Aliyu, said the unusual heat started earlier than expected and had become increasingly difficult to cope with.
According to her, the intensity of the weather has affected health conditions and general wellbeing across households.
“This year’s heat is unbearable. Even during the supposed cold season, there was hardly any cold weather. The temperature rises sharply from noon and continues into the evening,” she said.
Aliyu added that many residents now rely on constant bathing and other temporary cooling methods to survive the extreme conditions.
Another resident, Salma Usman, said the scorching weather had left families exhausted and uncomfortable, especially children.
“The heat is affecting everyone. We sweat excessively, become weak during the day, and children now suffer from heat rashes and sleeplessness,” she explained.
Poor Electricity Supply Worsens Situation
Residents said the erratic power supply across Kano has compounded the impact of the heatwave, leaving homes and businesses struggling to preserve food, power fans, and maintain productivity.
A school teacher, Ele Abalaka, noted that electricity supply had become highly unreliable, forcing residents to spend heavily on alternative energy sources.
“We barely get electricity for a reasonable number of hours. Sometimes power comes briefly and disappears again. Those who can afford generators spend thousands daily on fuel,” she said.
According to her, the rising cost of running generators has become unsustainable for many families already battling economic hardship.
Bricklayer Yusufa Abdullahi also lamented the effect of sleepless nights caused by the heat, saying workers now experience fatigue and reduced efficiency.
“If you cannot sleep at night because of the heat, you won’t have strength to work during the day. Many people feel tired and dizzy while working,” he stated.
Businesses Record Losses
Small-scale business owners also expressed concern over the impact of the weather and unstable electricity on their operations.
Matilda Udo, who produces local beverages including zobo and kunu, said preserving drinks had become expensive due to the high cost of buying ice blocks.
“Sometimes the money spent keeping the drinks cold wipes away the profit entirely,” she said.
Fashion designer and student, Sarah King, explained that the excessive heat had slowed productivity and affected customer service.
“The weather drains energy quickly. Sometimes I have to pause work because the heat becomes too intense,” she noted.
Calls for Urgent Government Intervention
Residents appealed to the Federal Government, Kano State authorities, and electricity distribution companies to improve power supply and strengthen measures aimed at mitigating the effects of extreme weather conditions.
They stressed that stable electricity would significantly reduce the hardship caused by the heatwave while helping businesses and households function more effectively.
