The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, will lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 2025 Annual Meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, D.C., scheduled to commence on Monday.
Mr. Cardoso steps in on behalf of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, who is currently indisposed. This was confirmed in a statement released on Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
Also on the delegation is the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, as Nigeria prepares to take part in high-level discussions on global economic priorities.
Focus of the 2025 Global Economic Meetings
The IMF–World Bank meetings will center on pressing global economic challenges, including:
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Global debt sustainability
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Persistent inflationary pressures
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Pathways to inclusive and resilient economic growth
According to the World Bank, key highlights will include the Development Committee Plenary on October 16 and the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC) session on October 17. In addition, delegates will attend regional briefings, press conferences, and forums focused on global markets and development strategies.
Nigeria’s Economic Agenda on the Global Stage
Nigeria is expected to leverage the platform to deepen engagement with international lenders and development partners. The country is currently implementing sweeping fiscal and monetary reforms.
The meetings may also present opportunities to negotiate support frameworks to mitigate the social impact of ongoing economic adjustments.
Clarification on Minister Edun’s Health
Recent online reports claimed that Minister Wale Edun was severely ill and that a replacement search was underway. These reports fueled speculation following the announcement of Cardoso leading the delegation.
However, Bayo Onanuga dismissed such claims, clarifying that while the Minister is indisposed, he is recovering and not incapacitated.
“Contrary to social media reports, the Minister is not incapacitated. He is currently recovering,” Onanuga stated in a phone conversation.
Wale Edun, a veteran economist and former Lagos State Commissioner for Finance, has been instrumental in shaping Nigeria’s economic policies since the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu began in May 2023.
Strategic Representation
As the alternate Governor for Nigeria at the IMF and World Bank, Cardoso’s leadership at the meetings underscores continuity in Nigeria’s economic diplomacy, despite Edun’s temporary absence.
Nigeria’s participation comes at a critical moment as it navigates currency reforms, subsidy adjustments, and efforts to attract foreign investment.
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