Finance minister Wale Edun returns to Nigeria after medical trip abroad

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, has returned to Nigeria after a brief medical trip overseas.

A video circulating on social media on Sunday showed the minister at Fraser Suites, Abuja, where he reportedly held a closed-door meeting with a Qatari delegation alongside the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole.

Edun’s return follows weeks of speculation about his health after reports emerged that he had taken ill and travelled abroad for medical attention, following an initial stay in Lagos.

Last week, Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga confirmed that the minister had been “indisposed,” which led to Central Bank Governor Olayemi Cardoso representing Nigeria at the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C.

While abroad, Edun was seen attending the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair in London, where he visited the O’DA Art Gallery booth and addressed guests. Onanuga later clarified via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle that the minister was on an officially approved period of rest.

“Finance Minister Wale Edun visits an art exhibition in the UK. He is in the country for an officially sanctioned few days of rest from the rigours of managing the Nigerian economy,” Onanuga posted.

With his return, Edun is expected to resume official duties as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to stabilise the economy and implement ongoing fiscal reforms.