Wale Edun, Dangiwa resigned, not sacked – Presidency

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Presidency has clarified that former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and former Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, resigned from their positions and were not sacked, as earlier reported.

According to a statement issued by Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga on Wednesday evening, Edun tendered his resignation to Bola Ahmed Tinubu on health grounds prior to the announcement of his replacement.

Edun, who turned 70 on Monday, formally submitted his resignation letter on his birthday, expressing appreciation to the President for the opportunity to serve.

“It has been a pleasure and privilege to serve your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he wrote.

“Under your leadership, Nigeria has emerged stronger, more resilient and more internationally respected.”

He added that he wished the administration continued success.

Before his departure was made public, the presidency said Edun paid a valedictory visit to the President at the State House, where he held a private meeting before proceeding to focus on his personal and business interests.

Similarly, the presidency said Dangiwa resigned from office and thanked the President for the opportunity to serve in the Federal Executive Council.

“President Tinubu, in response, commended both former ministers for their contributions to the administration’s reform agenda, particularly in the areas of economic policy and housing development,” the statement said.

Edun, an economist and investment banker, previously served as Lagos State Commissioner for Finance between 1999 and 2004 during Tinubu’s tenure as governor.

He also had a distinguished career in the private sector, including roles at the World Bank and as co-founder of Stanbic IBTC.

Dangiwa, an architect, had earlier served as Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria and Secretary to the Katsina State Government before his appointment as minister in 2023.

Meanwhile, the President has directed the new Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, to consolidate ongoing reforms and advance the administration’s fiscal objectives.

Tinubu is also expected to forward the nomination of Muttaqha Rabe Darma as the new Minister of Housing to the Senate for confirmation.

The Presidency said the changes are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen governance and sustain reform momentum in key sectors of the economy.