The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has tendered his resignation.
The letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Adelabu sent his letter through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, stated that he was stepping down with “a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude.”
He wrote, “I write with a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude to formally tender my resignation as the Honourable Minister of Power of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“This resignation is to take effect on 30th April 2026, in order to allow sufficient time for a smooth and orderly handover of responsibilities.”
Adelabu proposed the establishment of a Coordinating Minister for Energy to drive integrated reforms across Nigeria’s power, gas, and related sectors.
He emphasised that sustaining and consolidating the gains recorded in the power sector requires stronger coordination at the highest level, including the appointment of a central authority to harmonise policy direction and execution.
According to him, the Coordinating Minister for Energy will provide strategic oversight and ensure synergy across power, gas, water resources, and environmental sectors.
Adelabu said that his exit is to enable him focus on his governorship ambition in Oyo State.
Special Adviser to the Minister on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, reiterated that the Minister expressed deep appreciation to the President for the opportunity to serve, describing his tenure as a privilege to contribute to national development.
The outgoing minister noted that his decision aligns with the provisions of the Amended Electoral Act 2026, which precludes serving political office holders from contesting elections.
He further disclosed 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 key achievements recorded during his tenure, including the implementation of the Electricity Act 2023, which decentralised the electricity market and improved the investment climate.
He highlighted 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 plants. Transmission capacity was also strengthened through grid upgrades under the Presidential Power Initiative.
He further cited notable improvements in the distribution segment, including enhanced regulatory oversight, improved revenue collection, and progress in reducing Aggregate Technical, Commercial and Collection (ATC&C) losses.
Efforts to close the metering gap,. he added, gained momentum through the Presidential Metering Initiative and the World Bank-supported Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP).
On the financial front, Adelabu stated that tariff reforms and a #4 trillion debt restructuring programme increased market revenues from #1 trillion in 2023 to N2.3 trillion in 2025, restoring investor confidence and placing the sector on a path to sustainability.
Despite these gains, the Minister acknowledged persistent challenges, including gas supply constraints, infrastructure vandalism, and the need for full commercialisation of
the electricity value chain.
He therefore proposed key measures to sustain progress, including the implementation of cost-reflective tariffs with targeted subsidies capitalization of distribution companies, accelerated nationwide metering, sustained transmission investments.
Tunji added that Adelabu remains committed to ensuring a smooth and seamless handover process, while expressing gratitude to the President for the confidence and support extended to him throughout his tenure.
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