The Presidency has confirmed that Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, is currently ill and unable to perform his duties.
A senior government official described his condition as “very serious,” revealing that Edun is receiving intensive medical care after suffering a stroke that left him severely paralysed. The source added that although he may recover, his ability to return to active service appears unlikely.
Following the development, President Bola Tinubu is said to be holding private consultations to identify a potential replacement for Edun amid concerns over Nigeria’s ongoing economic and foreign exchange challenges.
In a statement released on Sunday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, announced that the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, will head the country’s delegation to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings in Washington, DC, beginning October 13, on behalf of the ailing minister. The delegation will also include the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite.
According to government insiders, Edun’s health crisis may be linked to exhaustion and stress caused by his demanding workload and irregular rest patterns. Officials reportedly work long hours with limited sleep and inconsistent meals, often continuing late into the night.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu departed Abuja for Rome on Sunday to attend the Aqaba Process Heads of State and Government Meeting, which will address West Africa’s escalating security threats.
