By John Umeh
Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, has resumed duties in Abuja after spending several weeks outside the country.
On Sunday, a video clip circulating on social media showed Edun at Fraser Suites, Abuja, where he held a private meeting with a team of Qatari officials. He was accompanied at the session by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole.
Edun’s absence had fueled speculation about his health, with reports suggesting he first relocated to Lagos before traveling abroad for medical attention. Last week, presidential aide Bayo Onanuga confirmed that the minister was “indisposed,” which explained why Central Bank Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, represented Nigeria at the World Bank and IMF annual meetings in Washington, D.C.
While away, Edun was also spotted at the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair in London, where he interacted with exhibitors and guests. Onanuga later clarified on social media that the minister’s trip was an officially approved period of rest, describing it as a break from the strain of managing the nation’s economic affairs.
With his return, expectations are high that Edun will re-engage fully with ongoing government efforts to stabilize Nigeria’s fragile economy, address inflationary pressures, and restore investor confidence.
His reappearance in Abuja comes at a critical moment as the administration pursues fiscal and monetary reforms aimed at strengthening the economy and alleviating hardship among citizens.
