The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has formally tendered his resignation and proposed the establishment of a Coordinating Minister for Energy to drive integrated reforms across Nigeria’s power, gas, and related sectors.

Adelabu announced his resignation in a letter dated April 22, 2026, and signed by Bolaji Tunji, his Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations.

In the letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu, Adelabu stated that his resignation will take effect on April 30, 2026, to enable him to focus on his governorship ambition in Oyo State.

He, however, 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.

Speaking further on the development, Tunji said the minister expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, describing his tenure as a privilege to contribute to national development.

Adelabu 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.

Adelabu 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 ₦2.3 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, recapitalisation of distribution companies, accelerated nationwide metering, sustained transmission investments, and strengthened regulatory enforcement.

“Central to his recommendations is the creation of a Coordinating Minister for Energy to provide strategic oversight and ensure synergy across power, gas, water resources, and environmental sectors,” Tunji said.

“According to him, this approach is critical to improving gas supply for thermal generation, optimising hydroelectric resources, and accelerating renewable energy deployment.”

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.

A man identified as a suspected member of Boko Haram has made startling claims during an interrogation, alleging that his group operates under the influence of a senior military figure based in Abuja.

In a video circulating online, the suspect, tied to a tree while being questioned by security personnel, repeatedly referred to an unnamed figure he described as “Manga Manga” and “Baban soja,” a Hausa phrase meaning “big soldier.”

Speaking in a mix of Hausa and Nigerian Pidgin, the man claimed his immediate commander works directly under the alleged figure.

“My oga dey work for that big soldier for Abuja,” he said, insisting that their operations are connected to the high-ranking officer.
The suspect also alleged that his superior’s family is currently with the same individual in Abuja, adding that he could lead security forces to the person if certain conditions were met.

“If una loose me, I go show everything,” he said, repeatedly asking to be untied before revealing more details.

Despite persistent questioning, the suspect maintained his stance, refusing to provide further information unless his demand was granted.

When asked about weapons, he denied possessing any firearm.
“I no get gun,” he said.

Tied Boko Haram suspect makes explosive claim, says ‘top soldier’ behind terror attacks in Abuja pic.twitter.com/Kv1OiWZEwa
— Temitope Hassan (@temihat) April 22, 2026

The claims have not been independently verified, and authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the allegations or the identity of the individuals mentioned.

Meanwhile, security experts often caution that statements made under duress during interrogations should be treated carefully until properly investigated.

However, experts say the real battle may now be one of credibility.

“The biggest threat is not just the insurgents,” one security analyst noted, “but the erosion of trust in the system meant to defeat them.”

Here are some topical reactions on the development:

@kayceelopezpc: “We all know they are linked to high class men and even the federal government knows but won’t do nothing cos you can’t shoot your self.”

@mechetenco_wine: “The real issue is that no investigation will be carried out. Nothing will happen to whoever he is referring to. I pity the men on the field who are a bullet away from joining their ancestors.”

@pegasus9060 : “This is exactly why insecurity will never be solved. Every one in government is complicit. Everyone of them has to go.”

@LionelKuti10 : “We all act like we don’t know these boys are sponsored by politicians and military heads. Lots of public informations backed it up. The body language of the government and their policies.”

@247humour: “You will likely hear that those soldiers that captured him have been sacked soon.”

@vhiktri : “I’m not surprised tho, if a top military will call them their brothers abi wetin sef, why will I be surprised.” (accompanied by an image)

@stanleyjonas: “Their confidence couldn’t have been in their arms alone. They definitely have some ‘backbone’.”

The QEDNG Creative Powerhouse Summit will hold its second edition on August 11 in Lagos, bringing together leaders across the creative, business and policy spaces.

Convened by Mighty Media Plus, publishers of online newspaper QEDNG, the summit brings together conversations at the intersection of creativity, enterprise and influence, with a focus on strengthening Nigeria’s creative economy.

Reflecting on the inaugural edition, Iyanda said the summit drew participation from respected figures across sectors, including group managing director of SO&U Udeme Ufot as chairman and founder of The Africa Soft Power Group Dr Nkiru Balonwu as keynote speaker, alongside panellists such as filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) founder Mike Dada and executive director of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) Dr Shaibu Husseini who contributed to discussions on the direction of the creative economy.

“The first edition showed that there is a strong interest in serious engagement around the creative economy. We had contributions from experienced voices who helped set the tone for the kind of platform we are building,” Iyanda said. 

Building on the success of its inaugural edition, the summit continues to expand its scope, attracting a diverse mix of industry leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers and emerging talents.

“This summit is designed as a meeting point for ideas, influence and execution. It is not just about conversations, but about outcomes that strengthen the creative economy,” Iyanda added.

He noted that the timing of the summit is significant as the country’s creative sector continues to evolve.

“Nigeria’s creative sector has grown in visibility, but the structures that support it are still evolving. The QEDNGCreative Powerhouse Summit is part of the effort to bring clarity, direction and serious engagement to that growth,” he said.

The 2026 edition will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions and curated sessions addressing themes around innovation, growth, funding and the global positioning of Nigerian creative talent.

According to Iyanda, the long-term goal is to build a platform that remains relevant across generations.

“Our goal is to build a platform that remains useful over time, one that documents progress, connects stakeholders and contributes meaningfully to policy and practice,” he said.

Further details on speakers, partners and the full programme will be announced in the coming weeks.