Small businesses and local industries across Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa States are grappling with severe disruptions following a sharp decline in electricity supply from the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO). Investigations revealed that i… Read on blog or Reader SMALL BUSINESS INSIGHTS Read on blog or Reader Persistent power outages disrupt small businesses in Kano, Katsina, Jigawa By Abiodun Abdullahi on April 27, 2025 Small businesses and local industries across Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa States are grappling with severe disruptions following a sharp decline in electricity supply from the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO). Investigations revealed that in recent weeks, power supply in the affected states has dropped to less than two hours daily. The situation worsened during the Easter holiday, leaving many residential areas, particularly Christian communities, in complete darkness during the celebrations. The persistent blackout is occurring at a time when temperatures have soared to 43 degrees Celsius, with residents enduring intense heat from early morning until evening. Small-scale enterprises, particularly dealers in frozen foods, water vendors, and beverage retailers, have been significantly impacted. Many businesses now rely heavily on generators to sustain operations, while others have had to suspend production due to the high cost of fueling alternative power sources. Read also Retailers have resorted to purchasing ice blocks to preserve perishable goods and cool beverages, resulting in additional operational costs and reduced profit margins. Stakeholders noted that the unstable power supply is compounding economic challenges for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) already battling inflation and rising operational expenses. In response, the Kano Electricity Distribution Company attributed the outages to ongoing upgrades of critical distribution infrastructure and vegetation control efforts across its network. Sani Bala Sani, spokesperson for KEDCO, explained that the upgrades are necessary to prevent network disruptions during the upcoming rainy season. He apologized for the inconvenience and assured the public that the projects would be completed promptly. Despite the assurances, small business owners continue to call for quicker interventions, warning that prolonged power challenges could force many enterprises to scale down or shut operations entirely.

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The Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal has ordered WhatsApp and its parent company, Meta Platforms Incorporated, to pay a $220 million fine and an additional $35,000 in investigation costs to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Com… Read on blog or Reader SMALL BUSINESS INSIGHTS Read on blog or Reader WhatsApp and Meta face $220m penalty for violating consumer data rights in Nigeria By Abiodun Abdullahi on April 27, 2025 The Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal has ordered WhatsApp and its parent company, Meta Platforms Incorporated, to pay a $220 million fine and an additional $35,000 in investigation costs to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) within 60 days. The decision, delivered on Friday, follows an investigation into alleged data discrimination practices affecting Nigerian consumers. The tribunal upheld the FCCPC's imposition of the fine, describing it as justified based on Meta and WhatsApp's handling of user data. The FCCPC launched its probe after uncovering concerns about potentially abusive and invasive data practices, including unauthorized access and misuse of Nigerian users' private information. In their appeal, WhatsApp and Meta contested the fine, arguing that the FCCPC's directives were vague, impractical, and unsupported by Nigerian law. Their legal team cited 22 points of contention, also alleging that they were denied a fair hearing before the penalty was imposed. Read also They further argued that the FCCPC's demand for a separate consent mechanism for each processed data point was unrealistic and excessively costly. However, the FCCPC maintained that the fine was necessary not just as punishment but to correct discriminatory behavior that violated consumer rights and constitutional protections. During the tribunal hearing, FCCPC representatives urged the panel to dismiss Meta's appeal, arguing that international precedents, though not binding, were persuasive in shaping the tribunal's ruling. Meta's legal team, led by Professor Gbolahan Elias, pushed back, insisting that Nigerian users had viable alternatives like TikTok and Google Meet, and that the companies were not operating as market monopolies. The tribunal ultimately sided with the FCCPC, validating the fine and affirming that global best practices in data protection provided a sound basis for its decision.

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The Nigeria Employers' Consultative Association (NECA) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the MSME ecosystem with the announcement of the 2025 edition of its flagship MSMEs Fair. The event, scheduled for Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at NEC… Read on blog or Reader SMALL BUSINESS INSIGHTS Read on blog or Reader NECA to host MSMEs fair to boost enterprise growth and regulatory support By Abiodun Abdullahi on April 27, 2025 The Nigeria Employers' Consultative Association (NECA) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the MSME ecosystem with the announcement of the 2025 edition of its flagship MSMEs Fair. The event, scheduled for Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at NECA House, Alausa, Lagos, is designed to empower small businesses with tools, knowledge, and strategic networks essential for growth. Speaking ahead of the event, NECA's Director-General, Mr Adewale Smatt Oyerinde, described MSMEs as the lifeblood of Nigeria's economy. He said the fair aims to provide entrepreneurs with practical support to navigate the challenges of today's business environment. This year's fair will feature a keynote address by Mrs Adenike Adeyemi, CEO of FATE Foundation, who is expected to share insights on innovative strategies for MSME sustainability and growth. A key highlight of the fair will be the interactive sessions with key regulatory agencies. Entrepreneurs will engage directly with regulators on critical issues such as licensing, compliance, taxation, and business registration, helping to simplify bureaucratic processes and promote a more enabling business environment. Read also Themed "Galvanizing MSMEs for Economic Growth and Stability," the fair will bring together financiers, tech experts, regulators, and business leaders to offer practical guidance, business development strategies, and real-time support to participants. Entrepreneurs across various sectors will also have the opportunity to exhibit their products and services, connect with potential investors, and explore new market opportunities. In addition, participants will gain insights into digital transformation, access to finance, and strategies for scaling their businesses sustainably. NECA emphasized that the fair reflects its broader mission of championing enterprise development and driving economic stability through a thriving MSME sector.

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