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

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, explained that Edun stepped down on health grounds, submitting his resignation prior to the announcement of his replacement by President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday.

According to the statement, Dangiwa also resigned from the Federal Executive Council and expressed appreciation to the President for the opportunity to serve.

Following their resignations, Edun was directed to hand over to Taiwo Oyedele, while Dangiwa was asked to transfer responsibilities to Muttaqha Rabe Darma, whose nomination is expected to be forwarded to the Senate for confirmation.

The Presidency disclosed that Edun, who recently turned 70 and has faced health challenges, submitted his resignation letter on his birthday. In the letter, he conveyed gratitude to the President, describing his service as both a pleasure and a privilege, and commended the administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”

He noted that under the President’s leadership, Nigeria has become more resilient and gained increased international respect, while wishing the administration continued success.

The statement further revealed that Edun paid a valedictory visit to the President at the Presidential Villa ahead of the formal announcement of his exit. During the visit, he held a closed-door meeting with the President before stepping away to focus on private engagements.

Dangiwa, an architect, previously served as Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria from 2015 to 2022 and as Secretary to the Katsina State Government before his ministerial appointment in August 2023.

Edun, an economist and investment banker, earlier served as Lagos State Commissioner for Finance between 1999 and 2004. His career also includes roles in banking and international finance, including work with the World Bank, as well as leadership positions in investment and asset management firms.

The Presidency expressed appreciation to both former ministers for their contributions to the administration’s economic and housing reforms, wishing them success in their future endeavors.

It added that the new Minister of Finance has been tasked with consolidating ongoing reforms and advancing the government’s fiscal and economic objectives with renewed focus, discipline, and innovation.