Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has attributed Nigeria’s rapid population growth to the country’s persistent electricity deficit.
Fayose, who now chairs the Rural Electrification Agency Governing Board, said the lack of reliable power leaves many Nigerians with few options for recreation after dark, pushing them indoors early.
The former Governor made the remarks during the inauguration of the newly constituted governing board of the REA by the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe.
Speaking at the event, Fayose said the electricity deficit had consequences beyond economic development, arguing that the absence of power was also influencing the social lives of Nigerians.
According to him, many Nigerians in communities without reliable electricity are forced to retire early to their homes after nightfall because there are few alternative activities available to them.
“When you don’t address this issue of electricity, the people have no alternative attraction. Nothing else matters to them,” Fayose said.
He added: “After 7 o’clock, it gets dark, everybody is engaging their wives, and the population simply becomes double.”
Fayose explained that the situation was largely driven by the absence of electricity-powered entertainment, businesses and other social activities that could keep people engaged outside their homes at night.
“The simple problem is because there is a lack of electricity; people go to bed early,” he said.
He added: “Their mind is simply prepared that, well, if this is the only available recreation, let me remain here.”
The former governor said improving electricity supply would consequently change the pattern of life in communities, particularly rural and underserved areas, by creating opportunities for nightlife, recreation and economic activity.
“But, when we address this electricity, there will be night life. There will be recreation outside your wife,” he said.
