Alhassan Aisha Abdulfatai is an entrepreneur and real estate professional, in this interview with YETUNDE AJANAKU, she shares her societal perception and her journey.

AS an entrepreneur, how would you describe the business climate in Nigeria today?

Nigeria's business environment today is indeed a high-risk, high-reward.

The reality on the ground is that entrepreneurs are dealing with increasing cost pressure.

The removal of fuel subsidy significantly affected input costs for many businesses. Those who depend on imports are struggling with tight margins due to exchange rate challenges, while local businesses are also affected because customers' purchasing power has reduced.

However, people are still spending, but their spending patterns have changed. Businesses that understand their customers, adjust their pricing strategies, and create affordable solutions are the ones surviving.

Nigeria also has a large pool of talented young people, although unemployment and underemployment remain challenges. Entrepreneurs can find skilled people, but retaining them has become difficult because many professionals now have access to remote opportunities abroad.

Despite these challenges, I believe frustration creates opportunities. Every gap in society is a business opportunity. Issues around electricity, food, logistics, and finance have created opportunities for entrepreneurs in sectors like fintech, agritech, renewable energy, and solutions that reduce the cost of living.

Nigeria is not collapsing; it is experiencing a difficult transition. Businesses that remain disciplined, adaptable, and focused on solving real problems can still scale.

What are some of the biggest challenges entrepreneurs face in Nigeria today?

Inflation is one of the biggest challenges because it affects profit margins directly.

The cost of flour, diesel, packaging, rent, transportation, and other essentials keeps increasing.

Entrepreneurs are often caught between increasing prices and losing customers or absorbing costs and losing profits.

Another major challenge is policy inconsistency. Changes in foreign exchange regulations, taxes, and import policies can happen suddenly, making long-term planning difficult.

Entrepreneurs can handle difficult policies, but uncertainty makes it difficult to build sustainable businesses.

Poor infrastructure, logistics challenges, and limited access to credit also increase the cost of doing business. Many founders are forced to become CEOs, operations managers, and problem solvers all at once.

Many young Nigerians are leaving the country through migration. Do you think Nigeria is still a place where young people can build successful businesses?

Yes, Nigeria is still buildable. It is just not easy anymore.

Many young Nigerians are leaving because of the better economic opportunities, stronger currencies, predictable systems, and career structures available abroad.

However, Nigeria still has something many developed markets do not have, problems waiting to be solved.

The challenges we face create opportunities.

Power problems create opportunities for renewable energy businesses. Food challenges create opportunities in agriculture and logistics. Financial challenges create opportunities in fintech.

Nigeria has a huge population, a young market, and room for innovation. If you are willing to solve problems and adapt, there are still opportunities here.

If you had the opportunity to advise the government on improving entrepreneurship in Nigeria, what would you say?

Government needs to make it cheaper, easier, and more predictable for entrepreneurs to build.

First, the cost of production needs to reduce.

Stable electricity, affordable energy, and accessible financing would help many businesses survive.

Secondly, government policies need consistency. Entrepreneurs need to plan for the future without worrying that regulations will suddenly change.

Government should also reduce unnecessary bureaucracy. Business registration, taxation, and other processes should be simplified and digitised.

Beyond grants, government should create systems that allow businesses to grow. Government is one of the biggest buyers in Nigeria, so creating more procurement opportunities for local businesses will help startups expand and create jobs.

Tell us about your background and how your journey shaped the person you are today.

I was born into a Muslim family in Kaduna. I spent most of my life in the North, although I also lived in Abuja at different periods.

I was previously a Muslim, but today I practice Ifa and serve as an Osun priestess.

My exposure to different cultures from an early age shaped my worldview. Travelling to different countries, meeting people from diverse backgrounds, and interacting with different cultures helped me understand humanity better.

Those experiences influenced my beliefs, my openness, and the person I have become.

You studied Sociology. How did you transition into entrepreneurship, real estate, and other industries?

Sociology helped me understand society and human behaviour, but I have always been someone who loves learning and exploring different fields.

I believe there is nothing you cannot learn if you have genuine interest and are willing to put in the effort.

My interest in real estate started in 2021 towards the end of my university days. During my NYSC period, I developed an interest in the oil and gas industry and procurement, which I explored between 2022 and 2023.

How did you get into the oil and gas industry?

I had a friend named Goodness Aula, whom I met in Dubai around 2015/2016. He was successful in the oil and gas industry, and watching his involvement in the sector inspired me.

With his guidance, support, and encouragement, I decided to explore the industry and gradually became involved.

You have worked across different industries. How have you remained relevant and adaptable?

Relevance dies when you stop listening to customers.

Entrepreneurs who survive are those who stay close to the market, listen to feedback, and understand changing needs.

I do not attach myself only to an industry; I attach myself to solving problems.

Building relationships, learning from others, and connecting with people who can provide solutions have helped me transition across different sectors without starting from the beginning.

What has been one of the most difficult moments of your entrepreneurial journey?

One of the most difficult periods was when I had sales coming in, but customers delayed payments, and some never paid.

There were successful contracts that brought no financial reward because payments were delayed or never received. I also experienced challenges with bad partnerships and staff issues.

At a point, my career came to a standstill, and I had to step back and take some time away.

That period was difficult, but it taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of putting stronger structures in place.

As a traditionalist, Ifa practitioner, and Osun priestess, have you faced challenges in business because of your beliefs?

Yes, I have experienced situations where people misunderstood my beliefs.

Some people have misconceptions about Isese and traditional practices, and sometimes I have to educate them about what it truly represents.

It can slow down business conversations occasionally, but I believe knowledge helps people overcome misconceptions.

What makes business partnerships successful?

Contracts protect businesses, but trust moves deals.

Strong partnerships are built on clear expectations, communication, honesty, and ensuring that everyone benefits.

When only one person gains from a partnership, the relationship eventually breaks down.

What is the reality of entrepreneurship that people do not see?

Entrepreneurship can be lonely.

You are often the person making difficult decisions, and you cannot always show uncertainty because people depend on your confidence.

Many people celebrate revenue numbers but do not see cash flow challenges. A business can make millions in sales and still struggle because customers owe money.

The pressure is real because your identity can become connected to your business. When things go well, you feel successful; when things go wrong, it can affect you emotionally.

But despite the challenges, building something meaningful is rewarding.