Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu has resigned from office and recommended the appointment of a Coordinating Minister for Energy to oversee integrated reforms in Nigeria’s power, gas, and related sectors.
In a resignation letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Adelabu said his resignation takes effect April 30, 2026, to enable him to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State.
He told the President that consolidating gains recorded in the power sector requires stronger coordination at the highest level through a central authority to harmonise policy direction and execution across energy sub-sectors.
Special Adviser to the Minister on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, confirmed the development. He said Adelabu expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, describing his tenure as a privilege to contribute to national development.
Adelabu noted that his resignation complies with the Amended Electoral Act 2026, which bars serving political office holders from contesting elections. He added that his governorship ambition dates back to 2016 while he served as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
In his three-page letter, the minister outlined key achievements under his watch. These include the implementation of the Electricity Act 2023, which decentralised the electricity market and improved the investment climate.
He said peak power generation rose to over 6,000 megawatts following the integration of the Zungeru Hydropower Plant and the rehabilitation of thermal power plants. Transmission capacity was strengthened through grid upgrades under the Presidential Power Initiative.
The distribution segment, he added, recorded improved regulatory oversight, higher revenue collection, and progress in reducing Aggregate Technical, Commercial and Collection (ATC&C) losses. The metering gap narrowed through the Presidential Metering Initiative and the World Bank-supported Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP).
On sector finances, Adelabu stated that tariff reforms and a ₦4 trillion debt restructuring programme raised market revenues from ₦1 trillion in 2023 to ₦2.3 trillion in 2025, restoring investor confidence.
Despite the progress, he acknowledged persistent challenges including gas supply constraints, infrastructure vandalism, and the need for full commercialisation of the electricity value chain.
To sustain reforms, he proposed five measures: implementation of cost-reflective tariffs with targeted subsidies; recapitalisation of distribution companies; accelerated nationwide metering; sustained transmission investments; and strengthened regulatory enforcement.
Central to his recommendations is the creation of a Coordinating Minister for Energy to provide strategic oversight and ensure synergy across power, gas, water resources, and environmental sectors. He said the role would improve gas supply for thermal generation, optimise hydroelectric resources, and accelerate renewable energy deployment.
Tunji said Adelabu is committed to a smooth and seamless handover process and thanked the President for his confidence and support throughout his tenure.
