New Electricity Tariff Will Escalate Insecurity, Kill Small-Scale Industries – Union

The Nigerian Association of Small-scale Industries, Kano State chapter says implementing the new electricity tariff will kill the small-scale industrial sector and escalate insecurity in the country.

“The new tariff plan will in essence kill the small-scale industrial sector and wreak havoc in the society including insecurity which is already a huge challenge across the country”, the Chairman of the Association, Aminu Ibrahim Kurawa, said.

Kurawa stated this while addressing a news conference, at the NUJ press centre, Kano, on Thursday.

He said the sudden increase in electricity prices had placed an unbearable burden on small-scale industrialists, who are already grappling with numerous challenges such as high production costs, limited access to credit facilities and stiff competition locally and internationally.

He said the new tariff poses a significant threat to the survival and growth of small-scale industries across the country, as many of the union’s members are already operating on thin profit margins.

“And any additional increase in operating costs, such as electricity tariffs, directly impacts our ability to remain competitive in the market with our international counterparts who are already in our local market”, he said.

The chairman, therefore, appealed to the relevant authorities to reconsider the new electricity tariff and engage in meaningful consultations with stakeholders from the small-scale industrial sector.

“It is imperative that any decision regarding electricity tariffs takes into account the unique challenges faced by small-scale industrialists and seeks to support rather than hinder their growth and development.

“We urge all stakeholders, including government agencies, regulatory bodies, and policymakers, to prioritise the interests of small-scale industrialists in Nigeria.

“Our sector plays a crucial role in driving economic growth, creating employment opportunities and fostering innovation. We cannot afford to be stifled by exorbitant electricity tariffs that threaten our very existence,” Kurawa concluded.