Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, is currently recovering from an undisclosed illness and may soon travel overseas for further medical care.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed Olayemi Cardoso, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the upcoming World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) annual meetings in Washington, D.C., United States.
According to multiple reports, the 69-year-old minister suddenly fell ill but remains in Nigeria as he recuperates. Confirming the situation, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said in a statement on Sunday that Edun is “indisposed but recuperating.”
“Yes, he’s indisposed. Wale Edun is about 69 years old. He suddenly fell ill. As we are talking, he is in Nigeria. He is recuperating. He’s around,” Onanuga stated on Sunday evening.
A Presidency source, who spoke anonymously, also debunked rumours that Edun suffered a stroke or had been flown abroad for treatment.
“Yes, he’s indisposed. He’s sick, which is a bit serious, but it’s not a stroke,” the source clarified. “As I’m talking to you, he’s in his house resting.”
This clarification follows reports by The Whistler, which claimed President Tinubu was considering replacing the minister due to his ill health.
Earlier, the Presidency confirmed that Edun would not attend this year’s World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings, noting that CBN Governor Cardoso would head the delegation on Nigeria’s behalf.
The global meetings, which attract finance ministers, central bank governors, and leading economists from around the world, are set to commence on Monday, October 14.
Appointed on August 28, 2023, Edun has played a central role in President Tinubu’s fiscal reform agenda, focusing on stabilising the naira, curbing inflation, and boosting foreign investment.
Before joining the federal cabinet, Edun served as Commissioner for Finance in Lagos State during Tinubu’s administration between 1999 and 2004.
