The presidency may have confirmed THE WHISTLER’s earlier exclusive report on the health status of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, following the announcement that the Central Bank Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, will lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 2025 World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings in Washington, DC.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, revealed on Sunday that Cardoso will serve as the alternate governor for Nigeria and head the country’s delegation to the meetings, which open on Monday, October 13.
“Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, the Governor of the Central Bank, will lead Nigeria’s delegation to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund Annual Meeting in Washington, DC, which opens on Monday, October 13,” the State House press release stated.
The presidency confirmed that Minister Edun is currently indisposed, and Mr. Cardoso would represent Nigeria on his behalf. Also included in the delegation is the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite.
According to the World Bank, key highlights of the Annual Meetings include the Development Committee Plenary session on October 16 and the International Monetary and Financial Committee meetings on October 17. Other events will feature regional briefings, press conferences, and forums focused on international development, the global economy, and financial markets.
This development comes just days after THE WHISTLER exclusively reported that President Bola Tinubu was considering appointing a new finance minister due to Edun’s deteriorating health condition. Our report indicated that the minister, who has been battling undisclosed health challenges for several weeks, was expected to be flown abroad for treatment.
We also reported that his temporary absence had prompted consultations within the presidency about an interim arrangement to ensure policy continuity.
“The president holds Edun in very high regard. His health challenge is unfortunate, but the government must continue to function. The priority now is his full recovery,” a senior government official told THE WHISTLER.
Appointed in August 2023, Edun has led the Tinubu administration’s economic management team and steered fiscal reforms aimed at stabilizing the economy.
https://thewhistler.ng/presidency-confirms-the-whistler-report-cardoso-replaces-indisposed-edun-at-imf-meeting/