Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has resigned his position to pursue the Oyo State governorship race.
Before submitting his resignation, Adelabu met with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in Abuja on Wednesday, where he communicated his decision and outlined plans for a smooth transition in the power sector.
In a letter dated April 22, 2026, addressed to President Bola Tinubu, he said his resignation will take effect on April 30, 2026, in compliance with the amended Electoral Act, which bars serving political office holders from contesting elections.
His Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, confirmed the development, noting that Adelabu appreciated the President for the opportunity to serve.
During his tenure, Adelabu cited key achievements, including the implementation of the Electricity Act 2023, which decentralised the power sector and boosted investment.
He said peak electricity generation surpassed 6,000 megawatts, driven by hydro integration, thermal plant rehabilitation, and transmission upgrades.
He also highlighted improvements in distribution, including stronger regulatory oversight, better revenue collection, and progress in reducing technical and commercial losses, alongside expansion of the national metering programme.
On financing, he noted that tariff reforms and a ₦4 trillion sector debt restructuring increased market revenues from ₦1 trillion in 2023 to ₦2.3 trillion in 2025, helping to restore investor confidence.
Despite the gains, Adelabu acknowledged persistent challenges, including gas supply constraints, infrastructure vandalism, and the need for full commercialisation of the electricity value chain.
He recommended sustained reforms, including cost-reflective tariffs with targeted subsidies, recapitalisation of distribution companies, accelerated metering, improved transmission capacity, and stronger regulatory enforcement.
Adelabu also proposed the creation of a Coordinating Minister for Energy to harmonise policy across the power, gas, water resources, and environmental sectors.
Tunji added that the Minister will ensure a smooth handover process.
(Editor: Ada Ononye)
