ABUJA - Nigeria's Minister of Power Bart Nnaji resigned his appointment as a member of the west African country's present cabinet, a statement released from the president's office confirmed on Tuesday evening.

The disengagement of Nnaji was with immediate effect, said the statement signed by the president's spokesperson, Reuben Abati.

"President Jonathan thanked the former minister for his services to the nation under the present administration and wished him well in his future endeavors," added the statement, without giving further details for the sudden resignation of Nnaji.

Nnaji, 52, was appointed minister of power in 2011 by the incumbent Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan. Upon his appointment, the former minister was tasked to reform the country's power sector.