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.
This confirmation follows reports by SaharaReporters that the minister suffered a stroke, leaving him critically ill. A top government source described his condition as “very serious,” adding that he is under intensive medical care.
“It’s very serious. He may survive, but he can’t get back to work again,” the source disclosed, suggesting that the minister suffered severe paralysis as a result of the illness.
According to insider reports, President Bola Tinubu has begun discreet consultations to identify a potential replacement for Edun.
In a statement released on Sunday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, announced that Central Bank Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, will now lead Nigeria’s delegation to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings in Washington, DC.
“Cardoso, as the alternate Governor, replaces the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, who is indisposed,” the statement read. The delegation also includes the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anete.
Another source said, “President Bola Tinubu is looking for a replacement urgently. The paralysis is severe. May God guide us all. This running after dollars is another matter.”
Speculations Around Cause of Illness
Sources suggest that Edun’s health crisis may have been triggered by stress and exhaustion. Senior government officials are said to endure long work hours, irregular meals, and little sleep — conditions that may have taken a toll on his health.
Security sources within the Department of State Services (DSS) reportedly confirmed that the minister is “extremely ill.”
Meanwhile, President Tinubu departed Abuja on Sunday for Rome to attend the Aqaba Process Heads of State and Government Level Meeting, focused on security challenges in West Africa.
The summit, co-chaired by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Italian Government, was launched by King Abdullah II of Jordan in 2015. It aims to address terrorism, cross-border crime, and maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea.
The meeting will gather African leaders, senior military officials, and representatives from international organisations to map new strategies against terrorism and organized crime.
Wale Edun, who has been part of Tinubu’s economic team since his days as Lagos State Governor, has played a central role in fiscal reforms, economic planning, and coordination of financial institutions. His absence could slow key reforms and upcoming budget preparations.
“Despite his health concerns, he still attended a Senate budget session last Thursday,” a senior aide noted.
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