The Chairman of the Rural Electrification Agency, Ayodele Fayose, has attributed Nigeria’s increasing population growth partly to inadequate electricity supply, saying lack of power keeps many people indoors at night.
Fayose made the statement during an interview with Arise News, where he argued that poor electricity access reduces nightlife and entertainment options, especially in rural communities.
According to him, many people have little choice but to remain at home after darkness falls due to the absence of power and alternative recreational activities.
“Why you don’t address this issue of electricity? The people at that level have no alternative attraction. Nothing else matters to them. After 7 o’clock, it gets dark there,” Fayose said.
He explained that staying indoors early often leads to increased family interactions, which he claimed contributes to population growth.
“Everybody is engaging their wives. And the population simply becomes double. The simple problem is because there is a lack of electricity,” he added.
Fayose said improving electricity supply across the country would encourage nightlife, create more recreational opportunities and change the evening lifestyles of Nigerians.
“Their mind is simply prepared that, well, if this is the only available recreation, let me remain here. But when we address this electricity, there will be nightlife,” he stated.
Samuel Agada is a writer and media contributor from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He is a graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Jos and a former banker with GTBank and FCMB. A prolific writer, songwriter, educator, and Gospel preacher, he is passionate about informing, inspiring, and impacting society through his work.