The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has resigned from his position and suggested the creation of a Coordinating Minister for Energy to manage reforms across the power and gas sectors.
In a letter dated April 22, 2026, and sent to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Adelabu said his resignation will take effect on April 30, 2026.
He said he is stepping down to focus on his plan to run for governor of Oyo State, pointing out that he has informed the President of his decision.
His spokesperson, Bolaji Tunji, confirmed the resignation and said the minister thanked the President for the opportunity to serve.
Adelabu said his decision follows the provisions of the Amended Electoral Act 2026, which bars serving political office holders from contesting elections.
He also said his interest in becoming governor started in 2016 when he was Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
In the letter, he listed some achievements in office including the implementation of the Electricity Act 2023, which allowed states to participate more in electricity generation and distribution.
He said power generation peaked above 6,000 megawatts during his tenure, helped by the Zungeru Hydropower Plant and improvements in thermal plants, adding that the transmission network was upgraded under the Presidential Power Initiative.
He noted improvements in the distribution sector, including better regulation, improved revenue collection, and reductions in technical and commercial losses. He said metering projects also advanced under federal and World Bank-supported programmes.
On revenue, he said reforms and a ₦4 trillion debt restructuring plan increased sector income from ₦1 trillion in 2023 to ₦2.3 trillion in 2025.
He said problems remain, including gas shortages, vandalism of infrastructure, and the need for full cost recovery in the power sector.
He recommended cost-reflective tariffs with targeted subsidies, recapitalisation of distribution companies, faster metering rollout, more investment in transmission, and stronger regulation.
He also proposed a Coordinating Minister for Energy to oversee the power, gas, water resources, and environmental sectors. He said this would help improve coordination and support stable power supply and renewable energy growth.
Tunji said Adelabu is ready to support a smooth transition and thanked the President for his support during his time in office.
