By Peace Erewunmi

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has linked Nigeria’s persistent electricity shortages, particularly in rural communities, to population growth, arguing that darkness after 7 p.m. leaves residents with limited recreational activities.

Fayose made the remarks in Abuja after his inauguration as Chairman of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) Board. He said many rural communities become dark early because of inadequate electricity supply, leaving residents with little to do outside their homes.

According to Fayose, the absence of alternative recreational activities encourages people to go to bed early, which he jokingly suggested contributes to increased sexual activity and, consequently, more children.

He argued that improving electricity supply would change the situation by extending productive and recreational activities into the evening. Better electricity, he said, would encourage nightlife, businesses and entertainment, giving people alternatives to staying indoors.

Fayose’s comments came as he assumed leadership of the REA board, an agency responsible for expanding electricity access to underserved and unserved communities across Nigeria. The agency’s mandate includes supporting rural electrification through initiatives such as grid extension, mini-grids and standalone power solutions.

While Fayose’s explanation was delivered in a humorous manner, his broader argument highlighted Nigeria’s longstanding electricity challenge and the need to improve access to reliable power, particularly in rural areas.

His remarks have since generated reactions online, with Nigerians debating both the humorous explanation and the wider importance of electricity to economic activity, social life and development.