Adelabu Resigns as Power Minister, Proposes Coordinating Energy Role
Adebayo Adelabu has resigned as Nigeria’s minister of power, recommending the creation of a coordinating minister for energy to strengthen reforms across the electricity and gas sectors.
In a resignation letter dated April 22 and addressed to President Bola Tinubu, Adelabu said his exit will take effect from April 30, citing his intention to pursue the Oyo State governorship.
Earlier in the day, his special adviser on strategic communications and media relations, Tunji Bolaji, had hinted at the minister’s planned resignation.
Although Adelabu had previously declined to comment on speculation surrounding his political ambition, he said in the letter that his decision aligns with the provisions of the amended Electoral Act.
“My decision to step down is guided by my desire to fully comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act and to focus on my governorship aspiration in Oyo State,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to the president for the opportunity to serve and stressed the need for stronger coordination within the energy sector.
According to him, sustained progress in the power sector requires a central authority to harmonise policy direction and execution.
Adelabu highlighted key achievements during his tenure, including the implementation of the Electricity Act 2023, which decentralised the electricity market.
He also noted that peak power generation rose to over 6,000 megawatts, driven by the integration of the Zungeru hydropower plant and the rehabilitation of thermal power facilities.
The former minister added that distribution performance improved alongside metering initiatives backed by the World Bank.
On the sector’s finances, he said reforms boosted revenue generation, with tariff adjustments and a N4 trillion debt restructuring programme increasing market revenues from N1 trillion in 2023 to N2.3 trillion in 2025.
Despite these gains, Adelabu acknowledged ongoing challenges, including gas supply constraints, infrastructure vandalism, and incomplete commercialisation of the electricity value chain.
He proposed the establishment of a coordinating minister for energy to provide strategic oversight and ensure alignment across power, gas, water resources, and environmental sectors.
Adelabu said he would ensure a smooth transition ahead of his departure from office.
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