Fayose links rural power shortages to higher birth rates

Ayodele Fayose, the newly inaugurated Chairman of the Rural Electrification Agency, has argued that persistent electricity shortages in rural Nigeria are contributing to population growth by limiting recreational options and encouraging residents to retire indoors early. Fayose made the remarks on Friday, August 7, 2026, in Abuja shortly after his inauguration as head of the federal agency responsible for expanding power access to underserved communities.

Speaking to reporters, Fayose described how the absence of reliable electricity alters social life in rural areas. He stated that darkness falls early in many communities, leaving residents with few alternatives for evening activities. "After 7 o'clock, it gets dark there," Fayose said, noting that residents often have little else to occupy their time once nightfall arrives.

The former Ekiti State governor drew a direct link between this lack of evening recreation and demographic trends. He argued that when people have limited options after dark, they are more likely to remain at home with their spouses. "Everybody is engaging their wives. And the population simply becomes double," Fayose said. He maintained that the simple...