Presidency Confirms THE WHISTLER Report: Cardoso Replaces ‘Indisposed’ Edun At IMF Meeting

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, as the Central Bank Governor, Mr Olayemi Cardoso, has been announced to 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, announced 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.

“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 read.

The presidency confirmed that Edun is indisposed and Cardoso would represent Nigeria on his behalf. Also on the delegation is the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite.

According to the World Bank, the 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 focusing on international development, the global economy, and financial markets.

The development comes days after THE WHISTLER exclusively reported that President Bola Tinubu was considering appointing a new finance minister over Edun’s deteriorating health condition.

THE WHISTLER reported 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 on 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 had told THE WHISTLER.

Appointed in August 2023, Edun has led the Tinubu administration’s economic management team and steered fiscal reforms towards stabilisation of the economy.