ABUJA – In a surprising turn of events following weeks of speculation regarding a cabinet shake-up, the Presidency has confirmed that the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, and the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, voluntarily resigned their positions and were not sacked as being speculated.
The announcement, issued late Wednesday by Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, sought to clarify that both officials departed on their own terms, countering earlier reports of a dismissal.
A Landmark Birthday Departure
For Wale Edun, the exit coincided with a personal milestone. The veteran economist and investment banker turned 70 on Monday, April 20. According to the State House, Edun submitted his resignation letter on that day, citing recent challenges with his health.
In his valedictory letter, Edun described his tenure as a “pleasure and privilege,” noting that under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, “Nigeria has emerged stronger, more resilient and more internationally respected.”
Before the official announcement of his successor, Edun held a private, hour-long meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday to finalize his departure and discuss the transition of the “Renewed Hope” economic agenda.
Dangiwa Returns to Private Life
Similarly, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, an architect by profession and the former Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank, tendered his resignation. Dangiwa had served as the Housing Minister since August 2023, having previously held the role of Secretary to the Katsina State Government.
President Tinubu reportedly expressed “deep appreciation” for Dangiwa’s contributions to the administration’s urban development goals and his long-standing service to the nation.
The New Guard
The departure of these two high-ranking officials has cleared the way for a swift transition in key sectors:
- Finance & Economy: Taiwo Oyedele, the prominent tax expert and former Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform, has been named the new Minister of Finance. The President has tasked Oyedele with advancing fiscal objectives with “renewed focus, discipline, and innovation.”
- Housing & Urban Development: The President has nominated Muttaqha Rabe Darma to replace Dangiwa. Like his predecessor, Darma hails from Katsina State. His name is expected to be transmitted to the Senate for confirmation shortly.
Profiles of Service
Wale Edun leaves behind a legacy defined by decades of financial expertise. A former World Bank Young Professional and co-founder of Stanbic IBTC, Edun was a core member of the “Lagos Class of 1999,” serving as Finance Commissioner during Tinubu’s governorship. His exit marks the departure of one of the President’s most trusted long-term allies.
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As the administration moves into this new phase, all eyes will be on Taiwo Oyedele to see how the “tax-man” navigates the complex inflationary pressures currently facing the Nigerian economy.
