The newly appointed Chairman of the Rural Electrification Agency, REA, Ayo Fayose, says Nigeria’s growing population may be partly linked to the country’s unreliable electricity supply.
Fayose commented at the weekend shortly after assuming office as Chairman of the agency.
He argued that poor power supply has changed how Nigerians spend their evenings, with many people forced to remain indoors once darkness sets in.
According to him, the lack of electricity limits nightlife and leaves people with fewer options for entertainment outside their homes.
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“When you don’t address the issue of electricity, by 7 o’clock it gets dark, and people start engaging with their wives, so the population doubles,” Fayose said.
He explained that reliable electricity would give Nigerians more reasons to stay active at night, rather than going to bed early because there is little else to do.
“The simple problem is that, because there is no electricity, people go to bed early. Their minds are already prepared for it. If this is the only option available, they simply stay at home,” he said.
Fayose added that improving power supply could help create a more vibrant nightlife and provide Nigerians with alternative ways to spend their evenings.
