Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, has been flown abroad for urgent medical attention following a stroke that left him severely incapacitated, SaharaReporters has gathered.
A top government source confirmed the development on Sunday, describing the minister’s condition as “very serious.” The source revealed that although Edun is receiving intensive care overseas, his recovery prospects remain uncertain.
“It’s very serious. He may survive, but he can’t return to work again,” the source said, adding that Edun suffered paralysis as a result of the stroke.
The source further disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has begun discreet consultations to identify a possible replacement for the ailing minister amid growing economic and foreign exchange concerns.
“The President is urgently searching for a replacement,” the source added. “The paralysis is severe. May God help us. This constant chase for dollars has been taking a heavy toll.”
According to insider reports, Edun’s health crisis may be linked to extreme exhaustion and stress resulting from his demanding work schedule. Senior officials within the administration are said to maintain unhealthy routines, with little sleep, irregular meals, and long working hours that stretch into the early morning.
Security sources, including officials from the Department of State Services (DSS), also confirmed that the minister’s condition is critical.
Meanwhile, the Presidency on Sunday confirmed that Edun is “indisposed.” In a statement signed by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the government announced that Central Bank Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, will now lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 2025 World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C., which begin on Monday, October 13.
“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.
While Edun remains under medical care, President Tinubu departed Abuja on Sunday for Rome, Italy, to attend the Aqaba Process Heads of State and Government Meeting. The summit, co-chaired by Jordan and Italy, will focus on security challenges in West Africa, particularly terrorism and maritime threats in the Gulf of Guinea.
Appointed on August 21, 2023, Edun has been a key figure in Tinubu’s economic team and a central player in Nigeria’s fiscal reform efforts. His professional relationship with President Tinubu dates back to 1999 when he served as Commissioner for Finance during Tinubu’s tenure as Lagos State Governor.
Despite reports of deteriorating health, Edun had participated in budget discussions with the Senate as recently as Thursday, underscoring his commitment to ongoing fiscal reforms.
His sudden illness, however, raises concerns over the continuity of Nigeria’s economic policies and the stability of Tinubu’s financial team.
