Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has reportedly travelled to the United Kingdom for medical attention.
Multiple government sources confirmed to The Punch that Edun left Nigeria on Tuesday morning after several days of health-related absence from public events. Another report by Sahara Reporters claimed he departed on Monday night, flying from Abuja to Lagos before connecting to London via a British Airways flight.
The development follows conflicting statements from the Presidency over the minister’s condition.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga had earlier denied reports that Edun was flown abroad, insisting the minister was “indisposed but recuperating in Nigeria.”
“Yes, he’s indisposed. Wale Edun is about 69 years old. He suddenly fell ill. As we are talking, he is in Nigeria. He is recuperating. He’s around,” Onanuga said last week.
Despite this, fresh confirmations from multiple sources suggest the minister’s health required further medical evaluation overseas. One top government official shared that although Edun’s illness was “a bit serious,” it was not life-threatening, adding that the decision to travel was “purely precautionary.”
Before his trip, Edun was said to have been resting at his home in Abuja, receiving medical care from a team of doctors.
To fill the temporary gap, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, has been asked to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the ongoing World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) meetings in Washington, D.C.
Onanuga confirmed this substitution, explaining that Cardoso would represent Nigeria at the international meetings until the minister returns.
Meanwhile, Sunday Dare, a former minister and current presidential aide, shared on X that he had spoken with Edun, who confirmed he was feeling better. According to Dare, the minister was “in good spirits” and even made light conversation over a bowl of Amala.
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The Presidency has dismissed talks of a replacement or cabinet reshuffle, maintaining that Edun remains Nigeria’s substantive Finance Minister.
Appointed on the 21st of August, 2023, Edun has played a central role in President Bola Tinubu’s economic team, overseeing fiscal policies, debt management, and reforms aimed at stabilising the naira and boosting investor confidence.
The minister’s brief health setback comes amid heightened economic pressure following the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market, two major reforms that have drawn both local and international attention.
Aides say Edun is expected to return to work once cleared by his doctors in London.