In a notable shift within Nigeria’s federal cabinet, former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, have both resigned from their positions, dispelling earlier reports that they were dismissed.
According to an official statement by Bayo Onanuga, Edun stepped down voluntarily on health grounds before Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced his successor.
Edun, who recently turned 70, cited health concerns as the main reason for his decision. In his resignation letter, he thanked the President for the opportunity to serve, describing his time in office as both a pleasure and a privilege. He also praised the administration’s progress, stating that Nigeria had become stronger, more resilient, and more respected internationally under Tinubu’s leadership.
Before leaving office, Edun paid a farewell visit to the President at the Presidential Villa, where they held a private meeting lasting about an hour. He has since stepped away to focus on his private business interests, closing a long and distinguished career in public service and finance.
In the same vein, Dangiwa confirmed his resignation and expressed appreciation to the President for the opportunity to serve on the Federal Executive Council. An accomplished architect and public servant, he previously served as Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria from 2015 to 2022 and as Secretary to the Katsina State Government before his appointment as minister in August 2023.
Edun’s professional background spans decades. He served as Lagos State Commissioner for Finance between 1999 and 2004 during Tinubu’s tenure as governor. His earlier experience includes roles at Chase Merchant Bank and the World Bank, where he worked on economic programs across Latin America and the Caribbean. He also co-founded Investment Banking and Trust Company Limited, now Stanbic IBTC, and later established Denham Management Limited, now part of the Chapelhill Denham Group.
President Tinubu has expressed appreciation to both men for their dedicated service and contributions to the administration’s economic reform agenda, wishing them success in their future pursuits.
To sustain momentum in fiscal policy, the President has appointed Taiwo Oyedele as the new Minister of Finance, tasking him with advancing ongoing reforms with renewed focus, discipline, and innovation.
Meanwhile, Tinubu is expected to forward the nomination of Muttaqha Rabe Darma as the new Minister of Housing and Urban Development to the Senate for confirmation. Like his predecessor, he is from Katsina State.
The cabinet changes reflect a strategic transition within the administration as it works to sustain its reform agenda amid evolving economic challenges.
