The Presidency has dismissed reports suggesting that the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, has been flown abroad for medical treatment or is about to be replaced by President Bola Tinubu.
Presidential sources confirmed on Sunday that the Minister, who recently took ill, is recuperating at his Abuja residence and receiving medical care from Nigerian doctors.
A senior government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the minister’s illness as “a bit serious” but stressed that contrary to speculation, it is not a stroke, nor has he been evacuated from the country.
“Yes, he’s indisposed. He’s sick, which is a bit serious, but it’s not stroke,” the source said.
“As I’m talking to you, he’s in his house. He has not been flown anywhere. Of course, he might seek medical attention elsewhere if doctors say that is necessary. But for now, he’s at home.”
Another presidency official confirmed that Edun remains under the care of local doctors and that the government has no plans to replace him.
“He’s being attended to by Nigerian doctors. They’re monitoring him closely. If he needs to travel for further treatment, that decision will be made later. But for now, he’s still in Nigeria, and there are no plans to replace him,” the source stated.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, confirmed that the minister is recuperating and remains within the country.
“Yes, he’s indisposed. Wale Edun is about 69 years old. He suddenly fell ill, but he’s in Nigeria and recuperating. He’s around,” Onanuga said.
The clarification follows reports claiming that President Tinubu was considering appointing a replacement after news of the minister’s ill health surfaced last week.
Earlier, the Presidency had announced that the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, would lead Nigeria’s delegation to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C., in Edun’s stead.
The meetings, which bring together global finance ministers, central bankers, and economic policymakers, are scheduled to commence on Monday, October 14.
Appointed on August 28, 2023, Edun has been a key figure in the Tinubu administration’s economic reform efforts, focusing on stabilising the naira, reducing inflation, and attracting foreign investment. He previously served as Commissioner for Finance in Lagos State during Tinubu’s tenure as governor between 1999 and 2004.
As of press time, the Federal Ministry of Finance has not issued an official statement on the minister’s health, but multiple presidency sources confirmed he is recovering well and remains in Nigeria.