Abuja, May 28, 2026 — Small business operators across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have raised concerns over the persistent instability of electricity supply, warning that the situation is threatening the survival of their businesses.
Many of the entrepreneurs who spoke in Abuja on Thursday described the situation as worsening, citing frequent blackouts and heavy reliance on costly alternative power sources.
They noted that several parts of the FCT, particularly satellite towns, now experience prolonged outages, with some areas reportedly receiving only a few hours of electricity daily, while others go days without supply.
A laundry operator, Mr Muhammadu Isah, said the irregular power supply had made it increasingly difficult to sustain his business, which relies heavily on electricity-powered machines.
According to him, the frequent use of generators has become unavoidable, but the rising cost of fuel is putting severe pressure on earnings.
Isah added that even basic services such as ironing have become challenging due to unreliable power, forcing operators to resort to charcoal irons, which he said come with safety risks and occasional damage to customers’ clothing.
He explained that such incidents sometimes lead to dissatisfaction and loss of customers.
Similarly, a tailor, Mrs Amina Yusuf, said production has slowed significantly as most modern tailoring equipment depends on constant electricity.
She noted that sewing machines, embroidery tools and other accessories require steady power, adding that frequent outages disrupt daily output and delay delivery timelines.
Yusuf said that while she could complete several outfits on a good day with stable electricity, persistent outages have reduced her productivity, with generators offering only a temporary and expensive solution.
A business centre operator, Mr David Okafor, also lamented the impact of poor electricity on his operations, noting that his services depend on computers, printers and internet-enabled devices.
He said unstable power supply often leads to service delays, reduced efficiency and customer dissatisfaction, which ultimately affects income.
Okafor explained that rising operational costs, including fuel expenses, rent and stationery, have further worsened the challenges facing small businesses.
He added that he had since adopted solar energy to complement generator use, despite the high installation cost, saying it has helped improve service continuity.
According to him, the solar system now provides a more stable alternative when public power supply fails.
Another tailor, Miss Chioma Michael, said erratic electricity remains one of the biggest obstacles in her daily operations, affecting productivity and customer relations.
She noted that when power goes out, work slows significantly, yet clients still expect timely delivery of their orders.
Michael added that many small businesses spend a large portion of their earnings on fuel to power generators, leaving little for other essential needs.
She appealed for urgent government intervention to improve electricity supply, stressing that stable power is critical to the survival and growth of small enterprises in the FCT.