Wale Edun returns to Nigeria after medical trip abroad
Wale Edun, Nigeria’s minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, has returned to the country after spending some time abroad for medical reasons. His return puts to rest growing public concern over his health and absence from recent government functions.
A video circulating on social media on Sunday showed the minister at Fraser Suites in Abuja, where he reportedly held a closed-door meeting with a delegation from Qatar. Also present at the meeting was Jumoke Oduwole, the minister of industry, trade and investment.
Sources said the meeting focused on strengthening economic and trade relations between Nigeria and Qatar, although details of the discussions were not made public. Edun appeared in good health in the short clip, chatting with members of the delegation before heading into the meeting.
The minister’s recent absence had sparked speculation after reports emerged that he had travelled abroad for medical attention. It was earlier reported that Edun left Abuja for Lagos last Monday night via a commercial flight before heading overseas for treatment.
Last week, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga confirmed that Edun had been “indisposed,” explaining that the minister was advised to take time off work to recover fully. His health situation led to a change in Nigeria’s delegation to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) annual meetings in Washington, D.C., United States.
In Edun’s absence, Olayemi Cardoso, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), led the Nigerian team to the global financial meetings. The minister’s absence from such a major international event fueled public discussion about his whereabouts and health status.
Read also: Finance minister Wale Edun spotted at London Art Fair, calms health concerns
However, shortly after, Edun appeared in a video shared on social media attending the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair in London. He was seen addressing guests at the O’DA Art Gallery booth during the event. The appearance seemed to reassure Nigerians that he was in good condition, though it also drew mixed reactions online.
Clarifying the situation, Onanuga took to his X handle to confirm that Edun was in the United Kingdom for what he described as an “officially sanctioned few days of rest.” He stated that the minister had taken time off to recuperate from the “rigours of managing the Nigerian economy.”
“Finance Minister Wale Edun visits an art exhibition in the UK. He is in the country for an officially sanctioned few days of rest,” Onanuga wrote, sharing the video of Edun’s appearance at the London art event.
Read also: Wale Edun recuperating, no cause for alarm, Presidency insists
With his return to Nigeria, Edun is expected to resume official duties in full, including ongoing efforts to stabilize the economy, strengthen the naira, and address inflation. His reappearance also signals continuity in President Bola Tinubu’s economic reform agenda, which has faced intense public scrutiny since the removal of fuel subsidies and foreign exchange policy adjustments.
