THE Presidency has clarified that the former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and the erstwhile Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, were not dismissed from office but voluntarily resigned their positions.
According to a statement sent to News Point Nigeria by the presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, Edun formally tendered his resignation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing health concerns, shortly before the announcement of his replacement on Tuesday.
Dangiwa also stepped down from his role, expressing gratitude to the President for the opportunity to serve as a member of the Federal Executive Council.
Edun, who turned 70 on Monday, reportedly used the occasion of his birthday to submit his resignation letter, bringing an end to his tenure in the administration amid concerns over his recent health challenges.
In his letter to the President, the veteran economist conveyed appreciation for the trust reposed in him and reflected on his time in office.
“It has been a pleasure and privilege to serve your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Edun wrote.
“Under your leadership, Nigeria has emerged stronger, more resilient and more internationally respected.
“I wish you and the administration every success in the future.”
Before the official announcement of his departure by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Edun paid a valedictory visit to the President at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday.
The meeting, which lasted about an hour, provided an opportunity for final discussions before he exited government to focus on his private business interests.
Dangiwa, an accomplished architect, also exited the cabinet on a note of appreciation. Prior to his ministerial appointment in August 2023, he served as Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria from 2015 to 2022 and had earlier held the position of Secretary to the Katsina State Government.
Edun’s professional trajectory spans decades across banking, international finance, and public service. He previously served as Lagos State Commissioner for Finance between 1999 and 2004 during the tenure of then Governor Bola Tinubu.
Earlier in his career, Edun worked at Chase Merchant Bank in Lagos from 1980 to 1986 before joining the World Bank through its prestigious Young Professionals Programme in 1986, where he contributed to economic and financial initiatives across Latin America and the Caribbean.
In 1989, he co-founded Investment Banking & Trust Company Limited, now known as Stanbic IBTC, and served as its executive director. He later established Denham Management Limited in 1994, which evolved into the Chapelhill Denham Group, where he served as chairman from 2008 to 2021.
Reacting to the development, President Tinubu expressed profound appreciation to both Edun and Dangiwa for what he described as their dedicated service and impactful contributions, particularly in advancing the administration’s economic reform agenda.
The President also wished them success in their future pursuits.
As part of the transition, Tinubu has tasked the newly appointed Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, with consolidating ongoing reforms and driving the administration’s fiscal and economic objectives with renewed discipline, focus, and innovation.
Meanwhile, the President is expected to forward the nomination of a new Minister of Housing to the Senate for confirmation. The nominee, Muttaqha Rabe Darma, hails from Katsina State, the same state as the outgoing minister, Dangiwa.
The developments mark a significant adjustment within the Federal Executive Council as the administration continues to recalibrate its governance and reform priorities.