Tinubu Government Bypasses Uzoka-Anete as CBN Governor Cardoso Heads Nigeria’s Team to World Bank-IMF Summit
Story: by Myra Chinonso October 13,2025
The Federal Government has sidelined the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anete, as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, is set to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C., United States.
This development follows confirmation from presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday, that the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, is currently unwell and unable to attend the meeting.
In a statement released by Onanuga, the presidency announced that Cardoso, who serves as the alternate governor for Nigeria at the Bretton Woods institutions, will head the country’s delegation to the high-profile financial summit, which begins on Monday, October 13.
“Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, will lead Nigeria’s delegation to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C.,” the statement read.
“Cardoso replaces the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, who is currently indisposed. The delegation also includes the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anete.”
By established protocol, Uzoka-Anete would typically have led the team in Edun’s absence. However, the government’s decision to assign the leadership role to the CBN Governor has drawn attention in policy circles.
The announcement comes amid speculation that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was considering replacing Edun following reports that the minister had suffered a stroke and was flown abroad for treatment.
The presidency, however, dismissed those claims, clarifying that Edun is receiving medical attention in Nigeria and remains in office.
The delegation, led by Cardoso, is expected to engage with global financial leaders at the World Bank-IMF meetings on key economic and monetary policy issues affecting Nigeria and other developing economies.
