Lagos, 13 October 2025 – Mr Olayemi Cardoso, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, is leading the country’s delegation to the annual meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington DC, after Mr Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, became indisposed.
Mr Edun is unwell rendering him unable to fulfil his duties.
The meetings, which opened today, Monday, 13 October, gather global leaders to address issues in international development, the global economy, and financial markets. Mr Cardoso, acting as the alternate Governor, has stepped in for Mr Edun.
The Nigerian team also includes the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite.
Highlights from the World Bank include the Development Committee Plenary session on 16 October and the International Monetary and Financial Committee meetings on 17 October. The programme features regional briefings, press conferences, and fora on global financial challenges.
Reports from Sahara Reporters suggest that Mr Edun suffered a stroke due to exhaustion and stress, leading to severe paralysis, and has been flown abroad for intensive medical treatment. A government source reportedly described his condition as “very serious,” with President Bola Tinubu seeking a potential replacement.
However, official statements from the Presidency deny these claims, asserting that Mr Edun does not have a stroke and is recuperating at his home in Abuja under the care of Nigerian doctors, with no plans for a replacement. Another official noted that he may seek treatment abroad if necessary, but emphasised that he “suddenly fell ill.”
The initial announcement came in a State House press release on 12 October 2025, signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
Nigeria’s involvement occurs amid efforts to stabilise the naira and boost foreign investment, offering a platform to discuss debt sustainability, climate finance, and post-pandemic recovery with international partners.
