Tinubu Appoints Ede-Born Ex-Minister As Special Adviser On Power
President Bola Tinubu has appointed Ede-born former Minister of Power, Rilwan Babalola, as Special Adviser on Power and Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Power Sector Reset and Restoration.
His appointment was contained in a State House statement issued on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Babalola is expected to lead the administration’s renewed push to address long-standing challenges in the electricity sector.
“The President expects Mr Babalola to bring urgency, discipline, and a strong execution focus to this assignment, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, to deliver measurable improvements in power supply and sector performance,” the statement read.
According to the statement, the task force will operate under a direct presidential mandate as a high-level delivery platform aimed at improving coordination across agencies in the power sector.
It is also expected to drive a comprehensive reset of the electricity value chain, improve efficiency and restore commercial viability in the sector.
The task force’s mandate includes implementing a “performance before expansion” framework, reducing technical and commercial losses, and strengthening cost discipline and tariff integrity.
It will also focus on improving revenue assurance and liquidity in the sector, restoring grid discipline, and enhancing market stability.
Other areas of focus include promoting “productive use of power across key sectors; develop Electricity Growth Zones; reduce fiscal exposure; and deliver a 90-day implementation blueprint.”
In the same announcement, the President redesignated the Office of the Special Adviser (Energy) as Special Adviser on Oil and Gas, in a move to “clarify roles and avoid duplication of functions within the energy governance framework.”
The presidency said the restructuring is part of efforts to ensure clearer responsibilities and improved coordination in the energy sector.
“The President expects Mr Babalola to bring urgency, discipline, and a strong execution focus to this assignment, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, to deliver measurable improvements in power supply and sector performance,” the statement added.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
