Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, is set to exit the Federal Executive Council after formally tendering his resignation, while also calling for the creation of a central coordinating authority to oversee Nigeria’s energy sector.
In a letter dated Wednesday, April 22, 2026, and addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Adelabu said his resignation takes effect on Thursday, April 30, 2026, as he prepares to contest the Oyo State governorship election.
He said the move complies with the Amended Electoral Act 2026, which bars serving political office holders from contesting elections.
Adelabu outlined key achievements during his tenure, including the implementation of the Electricity Act 2023, which decentralised the power sector and expanded private investment participation.
He said peak generation rose above 6,000MW, supported by the Zungeru Hydropower Plant and rehabilitation of thermal stations, while transmission capacity improved under the Presidential Power Initiative.
READ ALSO: ‘It’s My Turn to Govern Oyo’ — Power Minister Adelabu Declares 2027 Bid
On distribution, he cited improved regulation, higher revenue collection, and declining ATC&C losses, alongside metering expansion through the Presidential Metering Initiative and DISREP.
Adelabu added that tariff reforms and a ₦4 trillion debt restructuring plan increased sector revenue from ₦1 trillion in 2023 to ₦2.3 trillion in 2025, boosting investor confidence.
Despite progress, he noted challenges including gas shortages, infrastructure vandalism, and inefficiencies across the value chain.
To sustain reforms, he recommended cost-reflective tariffs with targeted subsidies, recapitalisation of distribution companies, accelerated metering, stronger transmission investment, and tighter regulation.
A key proposal in his exit letter is the creation of a Coordinating Minister for Energy to align policy across power, gas, water resources, and environmental sectors, improve coordination, stabilise gas supply, and accelerate renewable energy growth.
Adelabu also disclosed that his governorship ambition dates back to 2016 when he served as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. He is expected to formally exit office on April 30, 2026, after which transition arrangements will follow.