Finance Minister Edun Reportedly Flown Abroad After Alleged Stroke

Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, has reportedly been flown abroad for urgent medical attention after allegedly suffering a stroke, according to a report by SaharaReporters.

The online news platform quoted a senior government source as saying that the minister’s condition is “very serious,” and that he is currently receiving intensive medical care overseas. The source claimed Edun suffered severe paralysis as a result of the illness, adding, “He may survive, but he can’t return to work again.”

According to the report, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has begun discreet consultations to identify a possible replacement for the minister, given the seriousness of his health condition and the ongoing economic challenges, particularly around foreign exchange management. “The paralysis is severe. The President is urgently considering options,” the source was quoted as saying.

The source also attributed the minister’s health crisis to exhaustion and overwork, citing the intense schedules often faced by senior government officials who endure long hours, irregular meals, and inadequate rest. Security operatives, including officials from the Department of State Services (DSS), were also said to have confirmed that the minister is “extremely ill.”

However, the Presidency on Sunday confirmed only that Mr. Edun is “indisposed.” It announced that the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, will lead Nigeria’s delegation to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings in Washington D.C., which begin on Monday, October 13.

Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga stated that Cardoso will represent Nigeria “in place of Mr. Edun, who is indisposed.”

Meanwhile, President Tinubu departed Abuja on Sunday for Rome, Italy, to attend the Aqaba Process Heads of State and Government Meeting, which focuses on addressing security challenges in West Africa.

Appointed in August 2023, Mr. Edun has been one of President Tinubu’s most trusted economic advisers since their days in Lagos. His reported illness has raised concerns about the continuity of Nigeria’s fiscal reforms and preparations for the 2025 national budget.