- May 7, 2026
- Posted by: Havenhill
- Category: Beyond Electrons
Access to reliable electricity is more than a convenience for small businesses – it is often the difference between growth and survival. Across Nigeria, many entrepreneurs continue to navigate rising fuel costs, inconsistent power supply, and operational disruptions that directly affect their productivity and income. For businesses like poultry farming, where daily operations depend heavily on stable electricity, the challenge can be even more demanding.
For eight years, Mr. Kamaru Shittu has run his poultry farm with determination and resilience. But behind the day-to-day operations was a constant struggle to keep the business powered.
Before switching to solar, the farm relied heavily on generators to maintain operations.
“At first, we used a lister generator when diesel was not so expensive,” he recalls. “But when the cost became too high, we had to stop using it.”
Like many small business owners, Mr. Shittu was forced to adjust continuously to Nigeria’s rising energy costs. The farm later switched to a smaller fuel-powered generator – not because it was ideal, but because it was the only available option to keep the business running.
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Even then, the financial burden remained significant.
“At that time, we were just managing,” he says.
The arrival of solar electricity marked a turning point for the business.
“Solar has really helped us,” Mr. Shittu explains. “Before, we could spend up to N5,000 on fuel in a day. Now, we spend not more than N2,000.”
The reduction in daily fuel expenses has created breathing room for the business, allowing resources to be redirected toward sustaining and growing farm operations instead of constantly covering energy costs. Beyond the financial relief, access to more reliable power has also improved operational stability and reduced dependence on expensive fossil fuels.
For small businesses, energy access is deeply connected to economic resilience. Reliable electricity enables entrepreneurs to plan better, reduce uncertainty, improve productivity, and operate with greater confidence.
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For Mr. Shittu, the impact of solar goes beyond numbers or savings alone – it is about relief, stability, and the ability to keep moving forward.
“We thank the owner of the solar company and their staff for bringing this solar electricity here because it has really helped us,” he says. “May God be with them.”
Stories like Mr. Shittu’s highlight the transformative role renewable energy can play in strengthening local businesses and livelihoods. As clean energy solutions become more accessible, they are not only powering equipment and operations – they are helping entrepreneurs build more sustainable and resilient futures for themselves and their communities.
Watch his story here: