Former Big Brother Naija star and entrepreneur Khloe Abiri, popularly known as KokobyKhloe, has publicly called out the Nigerian government over the crushing cost of running a legitimate business in the country. In a heartfelt Instagram post that quickly gained traction, the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 honouree described daily operations as a relentless struggle for survival, driven largely by soaring petrol and electricity expenses.
Khloe, who rose to fame during the 2018 Double Wahala season and has since built a beauty and wellness empire that includes her KokobyKhloe skincare line and Sayria Spa, did not hold back. She questioned whether authorities truly understand the pressure facing business owners.
“Does the Nigerian government realise that business owners are spending almost all their profits, and sometimes their entire income, on petrol just to keep their businesses running?” she wrote.
She continued with a direct plea to the government:
“Dear ma/sirs in the high places, can you please do something about this? It is becoming unbearable to own and operate a business in this country.”
She explained that many employers genuinely want to improve conditions for their staff but find themselves blocked by endless operational costs.
“Our workers deserve better salaries. We want to pay them more, improve their welfare and create better working conditions. But how do we do that when we are exhausting almost everything just trying to keep the business running?” Khloe added.
She highlighted major problems hindering business growth.
“Between petrol, electricity, rent, supplies and other operational costs, what exactly is left for business owners to grow, reinvest or even survive?”
The reality star stressed that her appeal was not about luxury.
“We are not asking for luxury. We are asking for an environment where running a legitimate business doesn’t feel like a daily battle for survival. Please, something needs to change, Nigerian business owners are struggling.”
Khloe’s frustration reflects a wider reality many Nigerians, especially entrepreneurs, face, where unreliable power supply forces heavy reliance on generators and fuel, quickly eroding whatever gains they make. As someone who has expanded from fashion into cosmetics and spa services after her BBNaija journey, her words carry the weight of lived experience running multiple ventures in the current economic climate.
Her post has drawn attention from fellow business owners and everyday Nigerians who relate to the daily grind of keeping the lights on and staff paid. While she directed her plea politely toward those in authority, the emotion behind it was that the current environment is pushing many legitimate operators to the edge.