How to Stay Creative Without Electricity in Nigeria

Being a creative in Nigeria is an extreme sport. Staying creative in Nigeria without electricity is an even more extreme sport. Between constant power outages, noise pollution, and the never-ending stress of “no fuel, no light,” it’s a miracle we’re still creating anything.

But if you’re a Nigerian writer, content creator, designer, artist, or creative entrepreneur, you already know how to stay creative in Nigeria with or without electricity and turn chaos into creativity.

Consider this article your cheat sheet to staying calm and unfazed whenever NEPA decides to ghost you or leave you in the dark. (again).

Here are 5 Tricks to Staying Creative in Nigeria Without Electricity

1. Romanticize the Suffering (It’s Content)

Yes, the light is out. Yes, your ring light has betrayed you. But instead of crying (again), create from the mess.

Make a skit. Post a behind-the-scenes video. Write a blog post titled “Creating With Candlelight: My Journey.”

You’re not just surviving, you’re documenting the struggle-to-success pipeline.

2. Always Charge Like There’s No Tomorrow.

A good creative always has:

• Charged devices

• At least 2 power banks

• ­A backup plan that includes a solar-powered neighbor

  

Pro tip: Search “best power banks in Nigeria for content creators” if you’re tired of uncertainty. An even better option is to read this article by pulse Ng on best power banks under 20,000 naira. https://www.pulse.ng/articles/pulse-picks/best-12000mah-power-banks-2025052621141467429

3. Brainstorm During Blackouts

Let’s be honest, everyone get’s serious with their lives the moment the lights go out. so, when you can’t film or edit? No wahala. Use blackout time to brainstorm your next YouTube series, write captions, or outline that blog post you’ve been dodging.

Ideas still slap even when there’s no light.

4. Go Outside for Inspiration

Nigeria is content. Go to your street, your buka, your barber’s shop. Listen to people gist. The chaos outside is better than any Pinterest board, Facebook gist or TikTok challenge.

Nothing beats a live performance and getting the gist live and direct.

5. Rest Like a Baby

No light? Maybe it’s a sign to rest. Drink water. Watch old Nollywood. Sleep. You’re not lazy, you’re just respecting your mental health.

Even generators take breaks.

-Being a creative in Nigeria is hard, but it’s not hopeless. With grit, improvisation and a backup charger, you can keep creating through the darkness.

So whether there’s light or not, you’ve mastered the art of staying creative in Nigeria without electricity and that should be considered a very important hard skill.