Adelabu Recommends Coordinating Minister For Energy Portfolio After Exit From Tinubu’s Cabinet

By Olumuyiwa Olumuyiwa

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has  made his exit from the President Bola Tinubu administration remarkable by recommending the creation of coordinating minister of energy as a means of tackling the country’s perennial problem in the gas and electricity sectors.

Adelabu made this recommendation in his resignation letter dated April 22 and addressed to Tinubu.

Disclosing the reason for his resignation, Adelabu stated that the decision will give him the single-minded devotion needed to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State.

The former Deputy Governor of Operations at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had  earlier declined comment on the possiblity of him resigning from his position in March.

He stated that his priority was how to fix the Nigeria’s power problem and not running for the topmost political office in Oyo State.

However, in a letter issued on Wednesday by Tunji Bolaji, special adviser on strategic communications and media relations to Adelabu, the ex-minister expressed appreciation to the president for the opportunity to serve.

According to the statement, Adelabu expressed appreciation to the president for the opportunity to serve.

The letter noted that the decision to quit aligns with provisions of the amended Electoral Act.

“My decision to step down is guided by my desire to fully comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act and to focus on my governorship aspiration in Oyo State,” Tunji quoted Adelabu as saying.

The spokesperson said the minister emphasised the need for stronger coordination across the energy sector to sustain ongoing reforms.

“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,” Adelabu said.

The outgoing minister, however, acknowledged persistent structural challenges in the power sector, despite stressing that his achievements are impressive while in office.

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“There is still a need for stronger institutional coordination to address gas supply constraints, infrastructure vandalism, and the full commercialisation of the electricity value chain,” he said.

Adelabu said establishing a coordinating minister for energy would help align policy execution across critical sectors.

“The creation of a coordinating minister for energy will provide strategic oversight and ensure synergy across power, gas, water resources, and environmental sectors,” he said.