Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has reportedly been flown abroad for urgent medical treatment after suffering a stroke. According to SaharaReporters, a top government source described his condition as “very serious,” revealing that the minister suffered severe paralysis and may be unable to return to work.
The source added that President Bola Tinubu has begun discreet consultations to identify a possible replacement, amid growing economic and foreign exchange challenges. “The paralysis is severe,” the source said. “President Bola Tinubu is looking for a replacement urgently.” Insiders believe Edun’s health issues may be tied to exhaustion and stress from his demanding workload, lack of rest, and irregular lifestyle.
Further confirmation came from security officials, including contacts within the Department of State Services (DSS), who reportedly described the minister as “extremely ill.” The Presidency later issued a statement confirming that Edun is “indisposed,” announcing that Central Bank Governor Olayemi Cardoso will now lead Nigeria’s delegation to the World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C., beginning October 13.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu has departed Abuja for Rome to attend the Aqaba Process Heads of State and Government Meeting, focused on tackling West Africa’s escalating security threats. The initiative, launched in 2015 by Jordan’s King Abdullah II, aims to address terrorism, piracy, and cross-border criminal activities across the Sahel and Gulf of Guinea.
Edun, appointed in August 2023, has been a key figure in Tinubu’s economic team, overseeing fiscal reforms and budget coordination. His sudden health crisis raises concerns about continuity in Nigeria’s ongoing economic restructuring. Despite his condition, Edun was reportedly present at a budget discussion with the Senate just days before being flown out.
