Nigerians don’t need 24-hour power, just night and morning light – Deji Adeyanju

Human rights activist Deji Adeyanju has ignited a fervent discussion regarding Nigeria's persistent electricity challenges, proposing a seemingly modest demand for power supply. Speaking on The Honest Bunch Podcast, Adeyanju posited that Nigerians are not seeking round-the-clock electricity, arguing that their expectations are far more basic: consistent power during sleeping and morning hours.

Adeyanju's controversial statement suggests that providing electricity from 8 PM to 7 AM would suffice for most households, enabling people to sleep comfortably and prepare for their day. He further proposed that any surplus power could then be redirected to industrial sectors, thereby boosting economic activity. His assertion that "Nigerians are not asking for much and they’re the easiest people to please" has become a focal point of the ensuing debate.

This perspective, as reported by Vanguard News, has understandably elicited mixed reactions across Nigeria. Supporters echo Adeyanju's sentiment, emphasizing that stable electricity during essential hours would significantly improve the quality of life for millions. They argue that such a provision would alleviate the daily struggles associated with frequent power outages, from discomfort during sleep to the inability to perform basic tasks like ironing clothes.

Conversely, critics argue that Adeyanju's view is defeatist and fails to acknowledge the fundamental right to reliable electricity. They contend that Nigerians, like citizens of more developed nations, deserve uninterrupted power supply to foster industrial growth, enhance productivity, and improve overall living standards. The debate highlights a deep-seated frustration with the status quo and a yearning for a more robust and dependable national power infrastructure, moving beyond mere convenience to genuine development.

“

Nigerian don’t even want 24 hours light, can they even afford 24 hours light ? Nigerians just want to come home at 8pm and meet light so they won’t sweat when they sleep and also meet the light by 7am so they can iron thier cloths and then you can take the light and divert it to where factories are. Nigerians are not asking for much and they’re the easiest people to please. How can this be too much?