When Darkness Falls at 7 pm, Nigerians Make Babies — Fayose Links Poor Electricity to Population Explosion

Chairman of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Ayodele Fayose, has linked Nigeria’s rising population to inadequate electricity supply, arguing that poor power access limits evening activities and leaves people with few alternatives for recreation.

Fayose made the comment during an interview with Arise News, where he discussed the broader social impact of electricity shortages, particularly in communities with limited access to reliable power.

According to the former Ekiti State governor, the absence of electricity causes many communities to become inactive after nightfall because residents have limited opportunities for entertainment and other recreational activities.

He said communities without electricity often become dark from around 7pm, leaving residents with few options outside staying indoors.

“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 argued that improved electricity supply would transform the way residents spend their evenings by supporting nightlife, businesses and other recreational activities.

Fayose said that when electricity is unavailable, people tend to remain at home because there are few alternative attractions within their communities.

“Everybody is engaging their wives. And the population simply becomes double. The simple problem is because there is a lack of electricity,” he said.

He added that addressing electricity shortages could therefore have effects beyond economic development, including changes in social activities and lifestyles.

“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,” Fayose said.

His comments come amid renewed efforts by the Federal Government to expand electricity access to underserved and rural communities through the Rural Electrification Agency.

Fayose has previously said that the agency’s success should be measured not only by megawatts generated but by the number of communities and Nigerians connected to electricity.

The REA is responsible for implementing programmes aimed at expanding electricity access in rural and underserved areas through initiatives including mini-grids and other decentralised energy solutions.