Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has drawn criticism for allegedly connecting his findings of the electricity problems in rural communities with earlier bedtimes, less nightlife, and, consequently, more births in the areas.
The remarks were made by Fayose in comments on the nation’s enduring power problems, which includes the effect of poor power supply on communities where many residents have to shut down their activities shortly after dark.
The former governor said that when it gets dark in rural areas around 7pm, it reduces the opportunities for evening recreation or social activity for families in the rural area. This might lead to increased home-time and bigger families, he said, in a jocular comment.
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The comments have gained attention given their links to a daily consequence of Nigeria’s unreliable power supply and a broader demographic challenge. Fayose’s observation was made in a light vein, but Nigeria’s population growth is a big policy question that impacts on education, healthcare, employment, housing and other infrastructure.
Electricity-access problems remain a great challenge in Nigeria especially in the underserved rural areas. Access to reliable power is limited, impacting businesses, schools, healthcare facilities, and household activities, while boosting reliance on alternative sources like generators and solar systems.
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But the link between electricity and fertility is a lot more complicated than the Governor’s goofy explanation. Factors affecting fertility patterns include household income, education, access to reproductive health services, cultural factors, women’s employment, and urbanisation as well as age at marriage.
Nevertheless, Fayose’s comments have brought the social aspects of energy poverty to the fore. In addition to the economic burden, extended darkness can impact the functioning of communities after the sun sets, including the ability to conduct business, meet, work, and access social services.
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The need for reliable electricity for rural Nigerians goes beyond the illumination of their homes. Stable power is also closely linked to productivity, education, health care delivery, and communities’ full access to the modern economy.
Fayose’s comment could have been a joke, but it raises another question: what impact does the ongoing power crisis in Nigeria have on everyday life?
