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Adelabu proposes coordinating energy minister’s office on exit

From The Punch · (14h ago) English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Outgoing Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu has proposed the creation of a Coordinating Minister for Energy's office to streamline reforms across the power, gas, and related sectors.
  • Adelabu resigned to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State, with his resignation effective April 30, 2026, in compliance with the Electoral Act.
  • During his tenure, key achievements included the implementation of the Electricity Act 2023, increased peak power generation to over 6,000 megawatts, and improved tariff reforms that boosted market revenues.

As Nigeria's Minister of Power, my tenure has been marked by a relentless pursuit of integrated reforms aimed at transforming our nation's energy landscape. The recent submission of my resignation, effective April 30, 2026, is a necessary step to fulfill my gubernatorial aspirations in Oyo State, in adherence to the Electoral Act. However, my departure is also an opportunity to propose a structural enhancement that I believe is crucial for the sector's sustained growth: the establishment of a Coordinating Minister for Energy's office.

This proposed office would serve as a central authority, harmonizing policy direction and execution across the vital power, gas, and related sectors. The gains recorded in the power sector, including the successful implementation of the Electricity Act 2023, a rise in peak power generation to over 6,000 megawatts, and significant improvements in transmission and distribution, are substantial. Yet, these achievements underscore the need for even stronger coordination at the highest level to consolidate progress and unlock the sector's full potential.

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.

— Adebayo AdelabuIn his resignation letter to President Bola Tinubu, the outgoing Minister of Power proposed the creation of a Coordinating Minister for Energy's office.

My time as Minister has been a privilege, marked by significant strides in decentralizing the electricity market, strengthening the grid, and improving revenue collection. We have also made progress in closing the metering gap and initiated tariff reforms that have restored investor confidence. Despite persistent challenges such as gas supply constraints and infrastructure vandalism, the sector is now on a path to sustainability. The proposed coordinating office is not merely an administrative suggestion; it is a strategic imperative to ensure that Nigeria's energy future is robust, integrated, and resilient, benefiting all citizens.

This development will strengthen the commission’s operations and enhance service delivery across the state.

— Sheikh Umar HassanThe Chairman of the State Hisbah Commission praised the government for constructing permanent offices for the commission.
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Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.