Workers of small scale enterprises, SMEs, in Nasarawa LGA of Kano State have staged a demonstration against electricity tariff hike, describing it as a threat to their jobs.
According to them, many SMEs were planning to shut down operations due to the hike in electricity tariff.
Aisha Abdullahi, who spoke on behalf of the female protesters, noted that their means of livelihood is under attack, stressing that the operators of the SMEs are planning to shut down operations because they can’t afford the new tariff.
She said, “We have nothing but this job. We didn’t ask for government jobs anywhere. We are here managing the little earnings to keep body and soul alive. Unfortunately, we are going to be pushed out.
“For five days now, we haven’t worked, and only God knows what will happen should the SMEs operators decide to shut down completely due to the electricity tariff hike. We are appealing for authorities concerned to review this increase.”
One of the SME operators in the area, Alhaji Isma’ila Shehu Dakata, said that the tariff increase lacks human face as it goes beyond what many operators can afford.
However, Alhaji Zilkifilu Alhassan, the Kano State Government representative in the area, assured that he would ensure that the state government wades into the matter, pleading with the operators not to shut down.
Electricity tariff hike: SMEs workers stage protest in Kano
