Rural Electrification Agency chairman Ayodele Fayose says Nigeria’s lack of reliable electricity contributes to changes in social behaviour that, in his view, increase population growth. In comments published by multiple outlets, he argues that when power supply is poor and it gets dark early, people tend to stay indoors sooner and spend more time with their families.
Speaking to Arise News and in related coverage, Fayose links the absence of electricity to people “engaging” with their wives earlier in the evening, which he says results in the population “doubling.” He adds that without electricity, opportunities for nightlife and other evening activities are reduced, leading households to go to bed early. Fayose also frames improved electricity access as a way to enable more evening economic and social activity, including nightlife, by reducing early indoor routines.
The outlets report the same core claim from Fayose, focusing on the social impact of power shortages rather than presenting separate supporting data or alternative explanations for demographic trends.
