The new REA Chairman drops a bold claim that has got Nigerians talking
The newly appointed Chairman of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Ayo Fayose, has stirred up serious conversation after making a striking claim — that Nigeria’s skyrocketing population growth is directly linked to our chronic electricity problem.
Yes, you read that right. No light. More babies.
What Did Fayose Actually Say?
Speaking shortly after assuming office as the new REA Chairman, the former Ekiti State Governor made the bold assertion that the persistent lack of electricity across Nigeria — especially in rural communities — is a key driver of the country’s rapidly growing population.
His argument? When there is no electricity, there is no television, no internet, no late-night entertainment — and so, couples have very little else to do after dark. The result, he suggests, is more unplanned pregnancies and ultimately, more children.
While this may sound like classic Fayose banter — and yes, the man is known for his colourful delivery — there is actually some serious academic research that backs this claim up.
Is There Any Truth to This?
As funny as it sounds, development economists and population researchers have long noted a correlation between access to electricity and declining birth rates. Here is why:
– Education and awareness: Electricity powers schools, televisions, and devices that expose people — especially women — to family planning information
– Economic empowerment: Communities with stable power tend to have more economic activity, giving women better opportunities outside the home
– Entertainment alternatives: Yes, this one is real — studies have shown that access to television in rural areas has led to measurable drops in birth rates in countries like Brazil and India
– Healthcare access: Electricity is critical for running health clinics that provide maternal and reproductive health services
Nigeria currently has over 220 million people* and is projected to become the **third most populous country in the world** by 2050. Meanwhile, according to data from the World Bank, roughly *43% of Nigerians still have no access to electricity — with rural communities bearing the heaviest burden.
Why This Appointment Matters
The Rural Electrification Agency has the mandate to bring power to Nigeria’s underserved communities — the villages, the remote towns, the areas where the national grid has simply never reached.
Fayose stepping into this role signals that the federal government is placing renewed emphasis on rural electrification. Whether his tenure will translate into actual megawatts reaching the grassroots remains to be seen, but his comments have at least succeeded in drawing public attention to just how deeply electricity poverty affects everyday Nigerian life.
The Bigger Picture
Beyond the jokes and the viral clips, Fayose’s statement forces us to confront an uncomfortable truth: energy poverty is not just an economic problem — it is a social and developmental crisis.
When a community cannot access electricity:
– Children cannot study after sunset
– Small businesses cannot operate efficiently
– Healthcare workers cannot store vaccines or perform procedures safely
– And yes — people are left with fewer options for how they spend their evenings
For millions of Nigerians living off the grid, this is not a laughing matter. It is daily reality.
What do you think — does Fayose have a point, or is this just classic oga talk? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
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