KANO — Small businesses in Kano faced growing pressure as the coronavirus outbreak disrupted trading activities and reduced normal economic activity, prompting renewed attention to measures that could support entrepreneurs and protect livelihoods. Traders, artisans and other small business operators were among those affected by the uncertainty surrounding movement, reduced patronage and changes in consumer spending. Stakeholders said small enterprises played an important role in the Kano economy and needed practical support during the difficult period. Many businesses depended on daily sales to meet operating expenses and support their families. The disruption therefore created immediate concerns for operators who could not easily absorb prolonged reductions in income. Business stakeholders called for support programmes that could provide access to affordable finance and other forms of assistance. They said such measures could help businesses meet basic obligations, retain workers and prepare for the eventual return of normal economic activity. The calls also highlighted the need for support to reach businesses outside major commercial centres. Small enterprises operating in neighbourhood markets and less formal trading locations were similarly exposed to the effects of the disruption, stakeholders noted. They urged authorities and other organisations involved in economic support to ensure that assistance was accessible to a broad range of eligible businesses. Traders also called for clear information about any available support schemes. Business operators said uncertainty about eligibility, application procedures and other requirements could prevent those most in need from benefiting. They encouraged authorities to simplify communication and make the process as transparent as possible. The emerging health crisis was also affecting supply chains. Businesses that depended on regular deliveries of goods faced difficulties as movement restrictions and changes in transportation affected the flow of commodities. Stakeholders said maintaining access to essential goods and supporting commercial transportation would be important to keeping businesses functioning. Small business owners further called for consideration of the wider costs of operating during the disruption. They said rent, electricity, transportation and other expenses could continue even when revenues declined. Stakeholders urged authorities to consider measures that could reduce some of these pressures and prevent otherwise viable businesses from closing permanently. The discussions also raised concerns about employment. Many small businesses employed assistants, apprentices and other workers whose incomes depended on daily commercial activity. Stakeholders maintained that supporting businesses would also help protect these jobs and reduce the wider economic effects of the crisis. Authorities and business organisations were encouraged to work together in identifying practical interventions. Stakeholders said support measures should be monitored to ensure that resources reached intended beneficiaries and were used effectively. They also called for regular assessment so that programmes could be adjusted as the economic situation changed. The situation in Kano reflected a wider challenge facing small enterprises across Nigeria as the pandemic began affecting economic activity. Businesses faced an uncertain period in which reduced demand and restrictions on movement could make it difficult to maintain normal operations. Stakeholders therefore urged authorities to act quickly while also planning for the longer-term recovery of the sector. As attention remained focused on supporting small businesses, Kano's business community called for practical measures that would provide immediate relief and help enterprises survive the disruption. Stakeholders maintained that effective support for small businesses would be important to protecting employment, household incomes and local economic activity during the emerging crisis.