President Bola Tinubu has removed Wale Edun as Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, a decision that has sparked discussions across political and economic circles.
The reshuffle, announced on Tuesday, April 21, also saw Ahmed Dangiwa relieved of his duties as Minister of Housing and Urban Development.
A statement issued by George Akume confirmed the changes as part of a limited cabinet restructuring.
In a swift replacement, Taiwo Oyedele was elevated to take over the finance ministry, while Muttaqha Darma was named minister-designate for housing.
Budget Concerns Said to Drive Decision
Although the presidency framed the move as part of routine adjustments, insiders suggest the decision followed months of tension between Tinubu and Edun.
Reports indicate that Edun had been under pressure over the slow pace of budget implementation and delays in releasing capital funds.
Lawmakers had earlier raised concerns about poor execution of the 2025 capital budget, as several ministries, departments, and agencies reportedly faced funding shortages.
Contractors also complained about unpaid obligations despite approvals by the National Assembly.
Mounting Pressure Within Government
The situation drew criticism from both ruling and opposition lawmakers, some of whom openly discussed the possibility of removing the finance minister. This added to growing tension within the government’s economic management team.
Insiders revealed that attempts by the president to address the issues did not yield results, further straining the working relationship between both men.
Heated Exchange and Loss of Confidence
Matters reportedly escalated during a Federal Executive Council meeting on December 10, 2025, where a heated exchange occurred over budget performance.
An official familiar with the development said:
“From that point, it seemed that his (Mr Edun’s) goose was cooked,” said an official who witnessed the incident at the Council Chamber of the presidential villa.
Following that episode, some of Edun’s responsibilities were reassigned to Doris Uzoka-Anite, signaling a shift in confidence.
Failed Reconciliation Efforts
Efforts to mend the relationship reportedly fell short. Sources claimed Edun sought a meeting with the president in Lagos in recent weeks, but no resolution was reached.
Access to the president was also said to have become more limited in the period leading up to his removal.
The appointment of Oyedele earlier in March was widely seen as an early sign that a leadership change in the finance ministry was imminent.
End of a Longstanding Alliance
Despite defending his performance and highlighting efforts to stabilise the economy and manage debt, Edun’s exit brings an end to his long-standing professional relationship with President Tinubu, dating back to their time in Lagos State.
His removal signals a new phase in Nigeria’s economic leadership, with expectations high for the incoming team to address ongoing fiscal challenges.
