Months of electricity failure in several parts of Kebbi State have continued to throw many communities into hardship, affecting businesses, homes and daily economic activities across the state.
Residents in different local government areas said the problem is no longer a normal power interruption but a long-lasting blackout that has made life difficult for thousands of people.
Many communities complained that they have gone for weeks and even months without stable electricity supply, forcing business owners and families to struggle with rising costs and poor living conditions.
Small-scale traders and entrepreneurs said the blackout is seriously damaging their businesses, especially those who rely on electricity to preserve goods and run daily operations.
A frozen food seller in Badariya, Musa Abdullahi, explained that the situation has caused him major financial losses because he can no longer keep perishable items fresh due to the lack of power.
According to him, getting a reliable solar system is too expensive, making it difficult for him to continue operating his business successfully.
“I lose customers almost every day because my fridge cannot work without electricity. Buying a strong solar system is beyond my budget,” he said.
Another trader in the Kara area of Birnin Kebbi also expressed frustration over the worsening situation, saying poor electricity supply has reduced customer patronage and increased business expenses.
She noted that running generators daily has become too costly for small business owners already struggling with low sales.
The electricity supply in Kebbi State is handled by Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company, popularly known as KAEDCO, which also covers Kaduna, Sokoto and Zamfara states.
Over the years, residents have repeatedly accused the company of poor electricity distribution, unstable supply and constant load shedding across many communities in Kebbi State.
KAEDCO has often blamed the situation on low allocation from the national grid, transmission problems and inadequate revenue, saying these issues continue to affect power supply within its coverage areas.
As complaints from residents increased, the Kebbi State Government in April approved the formation of a special committee to meet with KAEDCO and discuss the ongoing electricity crisis.
The committee was created after a town hall meeting attended by government officials, stakeholders and representatives of the electricity company, where concerns over poor power supply were raised.
The panel was expected to investigate how much electricity is actually supplied to Kebbi State compared to payments made by consumers, while also reviewing billing practices and other operational problems affecting residents.
However, reports indicate that the committee has not yet submitted its final report despite being given a deadline by the state government.
The government had directed the committee to present its findings within two weeks starting from April 16, 2026, but residents are still waiting for updates and possible solutions.
Reacting to the delay and continued blackout, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Kebbi State Governor, Yahaya Sarki, publicly called on KAEDCO to urgently improve electricity supply in the state.
He criticised the company over what he described as silence and inaction while residents continue to suffer in darkness.
His remarks sparked reactions from many affected communities, with residents sharing similar complaints about months of blackout and poor response from authorities.
People living in Kawara community said they have not had electricity for several months because of a faulty transformer that has not been repaired.
Some residents also explained that although solar energy could help, many families cannot afford the high cost of installing systems capable of powering refrigerators and household appliances.
Findings further revealed that aging infrastructure and lack of proper maintenance are among the major causes of the persistent blackout affecting several parts of the state.
Areas in Birnin Kebbi, including GRA and Kara feeder lines, are also experiencing unstable electricity supply, while some communities remain completely without power.
Residents living along the Gesse to Rugga route also reported spending more than one month in total blackout, worsening business activities and daily living conditions.
Meanwhile, the Kebbi State Government had earlier stopped its monthly financial support of N150 million to the electricity company over complaints of poor service delivery.
Government officials said the decision was taken after repeated concerns from residents and business owners over unreliable electricity supply across the state.