Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has been flown abroad for urgent medical treatment after reportedly suffering a stroke.
A top government source confirmed the development to Sahara Reporters on Sunday, describing Edun’s condition as “very serious” and saying that he is receiving intensive medical care overseas.
“It’s very serious. He may survive, but he can’t get back to work again,” the source said, adding that the minister suffered severe paralysis from the stroke.
The source also revealed that President Bola Tinubu has started looking for a replacement.
“The president is urgently searching for a replacement,” the source noted, linking Edun’s health crisis to stress and exhaustion caused by his demanding schedule.
According to Sahara Reporters, Edun and other senior officials have been working under extreme pressure, with little rest, irregular meals, and long hours. Security sources, including the Department of State Services (DSS), have also confirmed that the minister is “extremely ill.”
The Presidency has officially confirmed that Edun is unwell. In a statement on Sunday, Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said that Central Bank Governor Olayemi Cardoso will lead Nigeria’s delegation to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C.
“Cardoso, as the alternate Governor, replaces the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, who is indisposed,” Onanuga said.
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Meanwhile, President Tinubu left Abuja on Sunday for Rome, Italy, to attend the Aqaba Process Heads of State and Government Level Meeting, which will focus on security challenges in West Africa.
The Aqaba Process, launched by King Abdullah II of Jordan in 2015, is a counter-terrorism initiative co-chaired by Jordan and Italy. The meeting will bring together African leaders, military officials, and international organisations to address terrorism, maritime piracy, and organised crime across the region.
Edun, appointed on August 21, 2023, has been a key member of Tinubu’s economic team. He previously served as Commissioner for Finance in Lagos State from 1999 to 2004 during Tinubu’s governorship.
His sudden illness comes at a critical time for Nigeria’s economy, as he was deeply involved in budget planning and fiscal reforms, including discussions with the Senate just days before his health emergency.
Edun’s absence is expected to pose a challenge for the Tinubu administration, which is already grappling with foreign exchange instability and public concerns over rising living costs.