Stakeholders Push for Electricity Bill Review to Boost Small Businesses 

Stakeholders at The Leverage Conference have urged the government to review the high electricity bills that are negatively impacting small and medium-sized businesses in Nigeria. The participants stressed the need for immediate action, noting that high power costs are a major obstacle to business growth across the country. 

Challenges for Small Businesses 

Adebukola Adeogun, the Chief Executive Officer of Bukola Neville Ltd, voiced her concerns at the conference held in Lagos. She explained that exorbitant electricity bills are a heavy burden for nano and micro businesses, making it difficult for them to thrive and expand. “Outrageous electricity bills have become a major challenge for businesses trying to thrive and expand. If the government truly wants entrepreneurs to be successful, they must address this issue urgently,” Adeogun emphasized. 

Empowering Entrepreneurs 

The Leverage Conference, aimed at aspiring entrepreneurs, was designed to help young business owners recognize and seize opportunities. Adeogun also highlighted her company’s dedication to corporate social responsibility. Bukola Neville Ltd has empowered over 5,000 women every quarter and recently collaborated with Access Bank to provide fashion design training for 33 women. 

Adeogun emphasized the urgent need for government intervention, stating, ‘Outrageous electricity bills have become a major challenge for businesses trying to thrive and expand. If the government truly wants entrepreneurs to be successful, they must address this issue urgently.

Concerns Over Age Restrictions in Education 

The keynote speaker, Obasanjo Fajemirokun, founder of Braceup The Young Academy, raised concerns over the Federal Government’s recent policy preventing candidates under 18 from sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). He argued that this age restriction could limit the ability of Nigerian students to compete on a global scale, as some international opportunities are age dependent. Fajemirokun also shared his organization’s efforts through the ‘Edu-Girls Nigeria’ initiative, which uses football to enhance girls’ confidence and academic performance. His academy has also been involved in renovating classrooms in underserved communities. 

The discussions at The Leverage Conference highlighted critical issues facing both entrepreneurs and young students in Nigeria. Stakeholders continue to advocate for policies that will support small businesses and ensure that Nigerian students have equal opportunities in education and beyond.