Former Ekiti State Governor and Chairman of the Rural Electrification Agency, Ayodele Fayose, has linked Nigeria’s rapid population growth to the country’s persistent electricity shortage, arguing that darkness at night leaves many Nigerians with little choice but to remain indoors with their spouses.
Fayose made the remark on Friday after his inauguration as Chairman of the Rural Electrification Agency, while highlighting what he described as the wider social impact of inadequate power supply.
According to him, the absence of electricity means many Nigerians return home early and spend more time indoors, which he jokingly connected to increased intimacy between couples and, consequently, population growth.
“When you don’t address the issue of electricity, by 7 o’clock it gets dark, and people start engaging with their wives, so the population doubles,” Fayose said.
He further argued that the lack of electricity contributes to an early bedtime for many Nigerians because there are limited options for entertainment and recreation after dark.
“The simple problem is that, because there is no electricity, people go to bed early. Their minds are already prepared for it,” he said.
REA chairman’s suggestion
Fayose suggested that improving electricity supply could change the pattern by creating more opportunities for Nigerians to remain outside their homes after dark.
“If this is the only option available, they simply stay at home. But if we address the electricity problem, there will be nightlife,” he added.
The comment comes as Nigeria continues to grapple with challenges in electricity generation, transmission and distribution, with unreliable power supply remaining a major concern for households and businesses across the country.
Fayose’s remarks, however, appeared to present the issue from a social and humorous perspective, rather than as a formal demographic explanation for Nigeria’s population growth.
The former governor used the occasion to underscore the importance of improving electricity access, particularly in rural communities, where inadequate power supply remains a major development challenge.
