A prolonged power outage lasting about 48 hours disrupted economic activity across Kano metropolis, forcing many businesses to close or reduce operations.
The blackout affected offices, markets, artisans and small-scale industries from Wednesday into Thursday as residents struggled with heat and loss of access to electrically powered services.
Businesses dependent on pumping water, refrigeration and machinery were among the hardest hit.
Some public conveniences closed because of water shortages, while those able to remain open reportedly increased their charges.
Tailors and other artisans said high petrol prices made generator use too expensive to sustain normal operations.
Food vendors whose products required cooling also faced losses because ice and refrigeration became difficult to obtain.
At the same time, phone-charging businesses with access to generators recorded increased demand and higher customer traffic.
Residents called on Kano Electricity Distribution Company to restore supply and explain the outage.
As of the time of the source report, KEDCO had not responded to requests for comment.
The blackout again highlighted the vulnerability of small businesses to electricity disruptions and the high cost of alternative power.
