The Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industry (NASSI), Kano State chapter has called on the Federal Government to rescind its decision to increase the electricity tariff in Nigeria to avoid killing the small businesses sector.
The chairman of the association, Aminu Ibrahim Kurawa expressed the concerns of the sector while addressing a press conference in Kano saying it is affecting them due to drastic increase in production rates.
He cautioned that the effect of the increase in electricity tariff in the country will lead to massive loss of jobs and increase level of insecurity.
“We are deeply concerned about the recent implementation of the new electricity tariff in Nigeria.
“This sudden increase in electricity prices has 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 both locally and internationally.
“The new electricity tariff poses a major threat to the survival and growth of small-scale industries across the country.
“Many of our members operate on thin profit margins and any additional increase in operating costs, such as electricity tariffs, directly impacts their ability to remain competitive in the market with our international counterparts who are already in our local market.
“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,” he stated
He called on all stakeholders, including state governments, agencies, regulatory bodies and policy makers to prioritise the interest of small-scale industries 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,” he said.
