The Presidency has confirmed that Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, is currently ill and indisposed.
A statement on Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, revealed that Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, will lead Nigeria’s delegation to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings in Washington, DC, beginning Monday, October 13, in place of Edun.
“Cardoso, as the alternate Governor, replaces the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, who is indisposed,” the statement said. The Nigerian delegation will also include the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anete.
A government source described Edun’s condition as “very serious,” noting that he is receiving intensive medical attention following a stroke that caused severe paralysis. The Presidency is reportedly exploring options for a replacement amid ongoing economic and foreign exchange challenges.
President Bola Tinubu departed Abuja on Sunday, October 12, for Rome, Italy, to participate in the Aqaba Process Heads of State and Government Level Meeting, focused on addressing security challenges in West Africa. The meeting, beginning on October 14, will bring together African Heads of State, senior intelligence and military officials, and representatives of intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations to discuss counter-terrorism strategies and regional security issues.
Wale Edun, appointed Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy on August 21, 2023, has been central to the administration’s economic team, overseeing fiscal policy, economic planning, and coordination of financial institutions. His temporary absence comes at a critical time as Nigeria continues to implement fiscal reforms and budget planning initiatives.
Despite his health challenges, Edun was actively involved in budget discussions with the Senate as recently as Thursday, underscoring his continued commitment to Nigeria’s economic management.
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