Printing businesses in Maiduguri, Nigeria, are experiencing a significant decline in patronage ahead of the 2027 elections. Despite the increasing political activities, the expected orders for banners, posters, and other campaign materials have been disappointingly low. This development has dashed hopes of a traditional election-season boom, with printers saying patronage is far below the level recorded during previous election cycles.
Sarah Thomas, one of the operators, stated that her business had received only a handful of orders in recent weeks. This has left printers with limited jobs at a time they would normally be working at full capacity. As a result, the business has been forced to operate with only a few workers. However, staff are sometimes compelled to work overnight whenever major orders come in. Thomas noted that during the campaign season, political parties only patronize them when they want to hold major events.
Ibrahim Ali, another printer, attributed the downturn to rising operating costs, particularly fuel, transportation, and printing materials. He stated that the escalating expenses had squeezed both customers and profit margins. According to Ali, the printing business has been declining over the past four years due to the increased cost of materials, largely driven by the high cost of fuel.
Ali also alleged that the situation had been worsened by political parties taking major printing contracts outside Borno State. He claimed that most political customers take their printing jobs to Kaduna, even though Maiduguri-based printers have the machinery and experience to handle the work. This has further reduced the already limited opportunities for printers in Maiduguri.
The printers said the development was putting additional pressure on an already struggling industry. Rising production costs are making it increasingly difficult to attract and retain customers. The situation has forced some businesses to operate with reduced staff, affecting the overall performance of the industry.
Despite the current challenges, the printers expressed hope that intensified campaigns and political rallies in the coming weeks would trigger a surge in demand and provide much-needed relief for printing businesses in Maiduguri. They are optimistic that the situation will improve as the election season progresses.
The decline in patronage has significant implications for the printing industry in Maiduguri, which is a major sector in the local economy. The industry's struggles highlight the need for support and intervention to help businesses overcome the current challenges and ensure their survival.
Key points
- Printers in Maiduguri are struggling with low patronage ahead of the 2027 elections due to rising operating costs and limited demand for campaign materials.
