Small business owners in Apete, Ibadan, have raised alarm over the crippling impact of poor electricity supply and the rising cost of living on their daily operations.
In interviews with Adamimogo FM Ibadan, traders and artisans lamented that unstable power and inflation are threatening the survival of local enterprises, forcing many to scale back or close shop.
A barber, Mr. Oluwole Tobiloba, explained that he had to invest heavily in a solar system to keep his business running. “Not every barber can afford this. Without power, you either close down or run at a loss,” he said.
For a baker, Boluwatife, the cost of ingredients combined with the lack of refrigeration has driven customers away. “Flour and sugar are expensive, and without steady light, I can’t preserve baked goods. It’s killing the business,” she lamented.
Similarly, an electrician, Mr. Emmanuel, said the prolonged outages have left him without jobs, while phone technician Mr. Olawepo Elisha noted that delays caused by unstable electricity have frustrated his customers.
The business owners appealed to government authorities to urgently fix the power supply challenges and address inflationary pressures.
They argued that reliable electricity, affordable raw materials, and targeted support for small businesses are critical to restoring economic activity in Apete.
