By Seyi Odewale
Nigeria’s fragile electricity supply remains under strain even as Adebayo Adelabu exits the Power Ministry, leaving behind a sector caught between modest gains and deep structural weaknesses.
Adelabu, who formally notified President Bola Tinubu of his resignation in a letter dated April 22, 2026, said he would step down effective April 30 to pursue his long-anticipated governorship ambition in Oyo State.
His departure comes at a time when millions of Nigerians continue to grapple with erratic electricity supply, rising tariffs, and unreliable distribution networks.
Framing his exit within legal and political obligations, Adelabu stated that “this decision is in compliance with the Amended Electoral Act 2026,” adding that “my governorship aspiration has been longstanding.”
But his resignation also underscores a familiar pattern in Nigeria’s power sector—policy discontinuity driven by political transitions.
While the outgoing Minister highlighted improvements recorded during his tenure, industry realities tell a more complex story.
Despite claims of generation rising to a peak of 6,000 megawatts, actual daily supply has remained inconsistent, with frequent grid collapses and load shedding still affecting homes and businesses nationwide.
In his valedictory remarks, Adelabu maintained that “peak power generation rose to 6000 megawatts,” attributing the increase to projects such as the Zungeru Hydropower Plant, rehabilitation of thermal stations, and interventions under the Presidential Power Initiative.
He also pointed to financial reforms, noting that market revenue grew from about ₦1trn to ₦2.3trn.
Yet, analysts and consumers alike argue that these gains have not translated into stable, affordable electricity.
Distribution bottlenecks, ageing infrastructure, and weak investment at the downstream end continue to limit the impact of increased generation capacity.
Adelabu acknowledged these constraints, conceding that “lingering challenges such as gas supply constraints, vandalism, and incomplete commercialisation of the value chain” remain unresolved.
These issues have persistently disrupted supply, particularly for thermal plants that depend heavily on gas.
He further argued that “cost-reflective tariffs with targeted subsidies and recapitalisation of distribution companies are critical to sustaining progress,” a position that has sparked public debate amid rising electricity costs and economic hardship.
Beyond operational challenges, the outgoing Minister used his exit to push for a significant structural overhaul of the sector.
Warning that reforms could stall without stronger coordination, he proposed creating a central authority to unify policy direction.
“Sustaining the gains in the power sector requires stronger coordination at the highest level,” he said, recommending that “a central authority should harmonise policy direction and execution.”
Specifically, he called for the appointment of a Coordinating Minister for Energy to integrate power, gas, and renewable strategies.
According to Adelabu, “This approach will improve gas supply for thermal generation and accelerate renewable energy deployment,” addressing one of the sector’s most persistent bottlenecks.
His Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, confirmed the resignation and said Adelabu viewed his time in office as “a privilege to contribute to national development,” adding that he would ensure a smooth transition.
