Nigeria’s Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, is recovering at his Abuja residence after falling ill, with no plans by President Bola Tinubu to replace him, presidential sources said on Sunday.
A senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity, dismissed reports that Edun had suffered a stroke or been flown abroad for treatment. “He’s indisposed. He’s sick, which is a bit serious, but it’s not stroke,” the official said, adding that Edun is being cared for by Nigerian doctors and remains at home.
Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, confirmed that the 69-year-old minister “suddenly fell ill” but is recuperating in Nigeria.
The clarification comes after reports suggested President Tinubu might consider replacing Edun. The minister will also miss this year’s World Bank and International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C., starting Monday. Central Bank Governor Olayemi Cardoso will lead Nigeria’s delegation in his place.
Edun, appointed Finance Minister on August 28, 2023, has led Tinubu’s fiscal reform agenda, including efforts to stabilise the naira, reduce inflation, and attract foreign investment. He previously served as Lagos State Commissioner for Finance from 1999 to 2004 under Tinubu.
The Finance Ministry had not issued an official statement on Edun’s condition at the time of reporting.