Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has reportedly been flown abroad for urgent medical attention after allegedly suffering a stroke, according to a report by SaharaReporters.
A top government source described the minister’s condition as “very serious,” confirming that he is currently receiving intensive medical care overseas. The source disclosed that although Edun is expected to survive, “he may never be able to return to work,” due to the severity of the paralysis caused by the stroke.
President Bola Tinubu, the source added, has begun discreet consultations to identify a possible replacement, given the minister’s critical role and the ongoing strain on Nigeria’s economy and foreign exchange markets. “The paralysis is severe. The President is urgently considering alternative options,” the source said.
The report attributed Edun’s sudden health crisis to stress and exhaustion, noting that many top government officials endure long working hours, poor rest, irregular meals, and minimal sleep. Security sources, including officials of the Department of State Services (DSS), were said to have corroborated that the minister is “extremely ill.”
Meanwhile, the Presidency confirmed on Sunday that Edun is “indisposed,” and announced that Central Bank Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, will now lead Nigeria’s delegation to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C., which commence on Monday, October 13.
Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga explained that Cardoso will represent Nigeria “in place of Mr. Edun, who is indisposed.”
In a related development, President Tinubu departed Abuja on Sunday for Rome, Italy, to attend the Aqaba Process Heads of State and Government Meeting, focused on addressing security challenges in West Africa.
Edun, appointed in August 2023 as Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, has long been one of President Tinubu’s closest economic confidants, dating back to their days in Lagos.
His sudden illness has sparked deep concern over the continuity of Nigeria’s fiscal reform agenda and the ongoing preparations for the 2025 national budget.
