Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has traveled to the United Kingdom to seek medical attention, multiple sources confirmed Tuesday. Edun’s departure comes amid growing concerns over his health and speculation about his ability to continue in office.
According to reports, Edun left Abuja for Lagos on Monday night via a commercial flight and later boarded a British Airways flight to London. Prior to his departure, presidency officials had maintained that Edun was recuperating at his residence in Abuja under the supervision of Nigerian doctors.
The nature of Edun’s illness has not been officially disclosed, but sources close to the presidency have dismissed earlier rumors that he suffered a stroke or was incapacitated. “He is indisposed, but stable,” one senior government official told reporters, adding that the decision to seek treatment abroad was made after consultations with his medical team.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga also addressed the speculation, stating that while Edun had fallen ill, he was not flown abroad in critical condition. “As we are talking, he is in Nigeria. He is recuperating. He is around,” Onanuga said in a statement released Monday. However, subsequent reports confirmed that Edun had already departed for London.
The development has prompted quiet discussions within President Bola Tinubu’s inner circle about a possible temporary replacement for Edun, should his condition require extended medical leave. Edun, 69, plays a central role in the administration’s economic strategy, particularly in managing Nigeria’s fiscal reforms and coordinating with international financial institutions.
His absence comes at a sensitive time for Nigeria’s economy, which is grappling with inflation, currency volatility, and fuel price hikes. Analysts say any disruption in leadership at the finance ministry could affect investor confidence and delay key policy decisions.
Despite the uncertainty, government officials insist that Edun’s condition is not life-threatening and that he will resume duties once cleared by his doctors. No timeline has been provided for his return.
