Nigeria’s Minister for Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has formally stepped down from his position and proposed the creation of a Coordinating Minister for Energy to drive unified reforms across the country’s energy sector.
In a resignation letter dated April 22, 2026, addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Adelabu indicated that his exit will take effect on April 30, 2026, as he prepares to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State.
He explained that sustaining progress in the power sector will require stronger central coordination, including the appointment of a high level authority to align policy direction and implementation across power, gas, and related sectors.
Adelabu expressed appreciation to the President for the opportunity to serve, describing his tenure as a privilege and noting that his decision complies with provisions of the Amended Electoral Act 2026, which bars serving public officials from contesting elections.
Reflecting on his time in office, he highlighted key achievements, including the implementation of the Electricity Act 2023, which decentralised the electricity market and improved investment conditions.
He also pointed to an increase in peak power generation to over 6,000 megawatts, supported by the integration of the Zungeru Hydropower Plant and the rehabilitation of thermal plants, alongside improvements in transmission capacity under the Presidential Power Initiative.
According to him, the distribution segment also recorded progress through enhanced regulation, better revenue collection, and efforts to reduce Aggregate Technical, Commercial and Collection losses, while metering initiatives gained traction through programmes such as the Presidential Metering Initiative and the World Bank supported Distribution Sector Recovery Programme.
On the financial side, he noted that tariff adjustments and a ₦4 trillion debt restructuring programme helped boost market revenues from ₦1 trillion in 2023 to ₦2.3 trillion in 2025, improving investor confidence and supporting sector sustainability.
Despite these gains, Adelabu acknowledged ongoing challenges, including gas supply constraints, infrastructure vandalism, and the need for full commercialisation of the electricity value chain.
He outlined several recommendations to sustain progress, including cost reflective tariffs with targeted subsidies, recapitalisation of distribution companies, accelerated metering, continued transmission investments, and stronger regulatory enforcement.
Central to his proposals is the establishment of a Coordinating Minister for Energy to provide strategic oversight and ensure synergy across key sectors, including power, gas, water resources, and the environment.
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to a smooth transition process and thanked the President for his continued support during his tenure.