The governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, will head Nigeria’s delegation to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) annual meeting in Washington, DC, United States, following the absence of Wale Edun, the minister of finance, who has been ruled out due to illness.
In a statement on Sunday, Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on information and strategy, confirmed that Edun, who also serves as the coordinating minister of the economy, is currently indisposed.
TheCable understands that Edun remains in Nigeria but might be flown out for further medical attention if necessary.
The delegation will include Doris Uzoka-Anite, the minister of state for finance, among others, as the meeting officially begins on Monday, according to Onanuga.
He further stated that the World Bank noted the meeting would include key sessions such as the development committee plenary on October 16 and the international monetary and financial committee meetings on October 17.
The schedule will also feature regional briefings, press conferences, and high-level discussions focused on international development, global economic trends, and financial markets.
In its Nigeria Development Update (NDU) released on October 8, the World Bank advised Nigeria to carry out an audit of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, increase health taxes, and adjust the value-added tax (VAT).
The organisation also encouraged Nigeria to ensure that the positive effects of recent macroeconomic reforms are reflected in improved living conditions for its citizens.