Some tailors in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, have decried the erratic power supply in the metropolis, saying it is affecting productivity and threatening the survival of their businesses.
The tailors, who spoke separately with reporters in Abakaliki on Friday, expressed frustration over persistent electricity outages, which they said have increased operational costs and reduced their income.
Mr. Ifeanyi Oken, an executive member of the Tailors Association, lamented the high cost of running tailoring businesses due to reliance on generators.
“Many tailoring outfits can no longer meet customers’ demands, while some operators are phasing out or struggling to stay in business,” he said. “Tailors need steady power supply to remain in business and make progress.”
Mrs. Obioma Nwankwo, a stylist operating along Presco Junction, urged the government to urgently address the challenges in the power sector.
She noted that tailoring businesses depend heavily on electricity for machines, lighting, and ironing, adding that frequent outages cause production delays and force operators to spend heavily on generators and fuel, thereby shrinking profit margins.
Similarly, Mrs. Martha Afia, a fashion designer, blamed poor power supply for reduced income, delayed deliveries, declining product quality, and shorter working hours.
“The high cost of fuel and generator maintenance consumes a large part of our earnings, leaving us with little profit,” she said. “Poor lighting also leads to mistakes and lower-quality products. We are often forced to close early or wait for power restoration.”
The tailors appealed to the government and relevant authorities to improve power supply in the state to prevent skilled tailors, fashion designers, and stylists from leaving the capital.
Reacting to the complaints, the Eastland Electricity Distribution Limited (EEDL) reaffirmed its commitment to improving power supply and distribution in Ebonyi State.
Mrs. Patience Ezeagu, Head of Communications at EEDL, appealed to residents, community leaders, and stakeholders to support efforts to combat electricity theft by reporting suspicious activities.
“We have come to partner with the people of Ebonyi to support their economic growth through improved energy distribution and network enhancement,” Ezeagu stated.
