Human rights activist Deji Adeyanju has sparked fresh debate over Nigeria’s persistent electricity challenges, arguing that many citizens are not demanding round-the-clock power supply but rather consistent electricity during key periods of the day.
Adeyanju made the remarks while speaking on The Honest Bunch Podcast, where he described Nigerians’ expectations as modest and largely driven by everyday convenience.
According to him, most households would be satisfied with stable electricity in the evening and early morning hours—periods he described as critical for daily comfort and productivity.
“Nigerians don’t even want 24 hours light,” he said. “They just want to come home around 8pm and have power so they can sleep comfortably, and also have light by 7am to prepare for the day.”
He suggested that prioritising electricity supply during these peak domestic periods could significantly improve quality of life, while allowing authorities to channel more power to industries and factories during other hours to boost economic productivity.
Adeyanju further argued that such an approach reflects the practical realities of many Nigerians, who may not be able to afford continuous electricity even if it were available.
His comments have since generated mixed reactions across social media and public discourse. While some Nigerians agree that reliable power during critical hours would ease daily struggles, others insist that citizens deserve uninterrupted electricity supply comparable to global standards.
Critics of his position argue that settling for limited power supply could lower expectations and reduce pressure on authorities to fix systemic issues in the power sector.
Supporters, however, see his comments as a realistic reflection of current conditions, suggesting that incremental improvements in electricity distribution could serve as a practical starting point for broader reforms.
The conversation highlights ongoing frustrations with Nigeria’s power sector and the broader debate over whether immediate, targeted solutions or long-term comprehensive reforms should take priority in addressing the country’s energy needs.
