By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
ADEBAYO ADELABU has resigned from his position as the Minister of Power and has proposed the creation of a Coordinating Minister for Energy in a letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu, stating that his decision takes effect on April 30, 2026, as he prepares to pursue the Oyo State governorship.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that Adelabu tendered his resignation stating that it will enable him to focus on his governorship ambition in Oyo State.
He stated that sustaining and consolidating gains in the power sector requires stronger coordination at the highest level, including the appointment of a central authority to harmonise policy direction and execution.
Special Adviser to the Minister on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, confirmed the development, stating that the Minister expressed deep appreciation to the President for the opportunity to serve and described his tenure as a privilege to contribute to national development.
Adelabu stated that his decision aligns with the provisions of the Amended Electoral Act 2026, which precludes serving political office holders from contesting elections.
He added that his gubernatorial aspiration dates back to 2016 during his tenure as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
In his three-page letter, the Minister outlined achievements recorded during his tenure, including implementation of the Electricity Act 2023, which decentralised the electricity market and improved the investment climate.
He stated that peak power generation rose to over 6,000 megawatts, driven by the integration of the Zungeru Hydropower Plant and rehabilitation of thermal power plants, while transmission capacity strengthened through grid upgrades under the Presidential Power Initiative.
He also cited improvements in the distribution segment, including enhanced regulatory oversight, improved revenue collection, and progress in reducing Aggregate Technical Commercial and Collection losses.
Efforts to close the metering gap gained momentum through the Presidential Metering Initiative and the World Bank supported Distribution Sector Recovery Programme.
On the financial front, Adelabu stated that tariff reforms and a N4 trillion debt restructuring programme increased market revenues from N1 trillion in 2023 to N2.3 trillion in 2025, restoring investor confidence and placing the sector on a path to sustainability.
He acknowledged persistent challenges, including gas supply constraints, infrastructure vandalism, and the need for full commercialisation of the electricity value chain.
He proposed measures to sustain progress, including implementation of cost reflective tariffs with targeted subsidies, recapitalisation of distribution companies, accelerated nationwide metering, sustained transmission investments, and strengthened regulatory enforcement.
JKNewsMedia.com also reports that Adelabu proposed the creation of a Coordinating Minister for Energy to provide strategic oversight and ensure synergy across power, gas, water resources, and environmental sectors.
He stated that the approach is critical to improving gas supply for thermal generation, optimising hydroelectric resources, and accelerating renewable energy deployment.
In the release, Tunji affirmed that Adelabu remains committed to ensuring a smooth and seamless handover process and expressed gratitude to the President for the confidence and support extended to him throughout his tenure.
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