Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, is currently indisposed, sparking conflicting reports about his health condition and whereabouts.

Initial reports from SaharaReporters alleged that Edun had suffered a stroke and was flown abroad for urgent medical treatment. The publication described his condition as “very serious,” claiming he was partially paralyzed and might be unable to return to office. According to the report, unnamed government insiders revealed that President Bola Tinubu had already begun discreet consultations to find a possible replacement.

SaharaReporters further linked Edun’s health troubles to exhaustion and stress arising from a demanding schedule, coupled with poor lifestyle habits and insufficient rest. Security sources reportedly described him as “extremely ill.”

However, Presidency officials have refuted these claims, confirming only that the minister is unwell but insisting his condition is not as critical as reported. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, clarified that Edun “suddenly fell ill” and is recuperating at his Abuja residence, under the care of Nigerian doctors.

Onanuga acknowledged that the illness was “a bit serious” but dismissed speculation that the President was seeking a replacement, emphasizing there were no plans to remove Edun. He added that overseas medical care might be considered only if necessary.

Meanwhile, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has been confirmed to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C. The meetings, which began on Monday, October 13, will feature sessions of the Development Committee Plenary and the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC).

Cardoso, serving as alternate governor, replaces Edun, who remains indisposed. The Nigerian delegation also includes Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anete, among others.

The World Bank recently urged Nigeria to audit the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, increase health taxes and VAT, and ensure that ongoing economic reforms result in tangible improvements in citizens’ living standards.

Appointed by President Tinubu on August 21, 2023, Wale Edun has been a central figure in the administration’s economic reform agenda, overseeing fiscal policy, financial coordination, and economic planning. His longstanding professional relationship with Tinubu dates back to the President’s tenure as Governor of Lagos State, where Edun served as Commissioner for Finance (1999–2004).

Given his pivotal role, Edun’s temporary absence may affect ongoing fiscal reforms, budget preparations, and Nigeria’s broader economic strategy aimed at stabilizing inflation and strengthening the naira.

In a related development, President Tinubu departed Abuja on Sunday, October 12, for Rome, Italy, to attend the Aqaba Process Heads of State and Government Level Meeting.

The conference, which begins October 14, will address the security crisis in West Africa, bringing together global leaders, intelligence chiefs, and defense officials to deliberate on terrorism, organized crime, and the growing intersection between Sahel-based insurgencies and maritime piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.

The Aqaba Process, launched by King Abdullah II of Jordan in 2015 and co-chaired by Jordan and Italy, serves as an international platform for counter-terrorism coordination and regional security dialogue.