The recent subsidy removal by the government has resulted in a rise in economic activity and earnings for shoe shiners and repairers in Kano, Northwest Nigeria. People are choosing to walk longer distances or use public transportation instead of driving or riding motorcycles due to the high cost of fuel, which has caused fuel prices to rise as high as N600 per liter in some areas.
Malam Mohammad Auwal, a shoe repairman in Kano, said in an interview that their business has grown significantly as a result of the long lines of people waiting to have their shoes mended. The rise in people choosing to walk farther distances as a result of the high gasoline prices is directly related to the rise in demand for their services. More individuals who go hiking ultimately wear out their shoes, which leads them to seek the help of shoe repairmen like Malam Mohammad Auwal.
In order to deal with the rising cost of fuel, many people have chosen alternate modes of transportation as a result of the loss of fuel subsidies. The Kano shoe repair sector has unintentionally benefited from this change in behavior. Since they are essential to ensure that people’s footwear stays in good condition despite the longer walking distances, shoe shiners and repairers have found themselves at the forefront of this trend.
While many people have experienced difficulties and financial load increases as a result of the elimination of gasoline subsidies, it has unintentionally opened up new prospects for shoe repair firms. The demand for shoe repair services has increased as more individuals choose walking as a convenient and affordable means of transportation. With the increase in business, Kano’s shoe repairers are now able to make bigger profits and support their families.
Kano’s shoe repairers are adjusting to the shifting market dynamics and meeting the demands of clients who rely on trekking as their primary mode of transportation. They are dedicated to providing quick, high-quality repair services so that clients can continue their travels in peace and comfort.
The scenario in Kano is an example of how tiny enterprises can be adaptable to changes in the economy. The removal of gasoline subsidies has opened up new chances for the shoe repair industry, and this quick action shows that they are able to take advantage of these openings and adapt to changing market conditions and client demands.
The shoe repairers in Kano will continue to be essential in ensuring that people can overcome the difficulties caused by the loss of the subsidy removal because the cost of fuel is still a major problem for many Nigerians. Despite the rising reliance on trekking as a form of transportation, their services contribute to the general well-being of the community by providing accessible and effective alternatives for keeping footwear.