The announcement was contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, who said President Bola Tinubu had approved the changes as part of a minor cabinet reshuffle.

Following the development, the President elevated the Minister of State for Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, to the position of Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy.

In a related move, Ahmed Dangiwa was also relieved of his duties as Minister of Housing and Urban Development, with Muttaqha Darma appointed as his replacement.

Edun was appointed in August 2023 to oversee Nigeria’s fiscal and economic management, continuing a long-standing professional relationship with President Tinubu that dates back to his tenure as Lagos State Commissioner for Finance between 1999 and 2007.

Although widely regarded as one of the President’s trusted allies, sources told Premium Times that tensions between both men had reportedly been building in recent months.

Insiders attributed the strain to dissatisfaction over slow capital budget releases and delays in implementation, which disrupted the country’s January-to-December fiscal cycle.

In February, federal lawmakers accused Edun of recording “zero implementation” of the 2025 capital budget despite the approval of ₦1.15 trillion for capital expenditure. They also pointed to complaints from ministries, departments, and agencies over inadequate funding and unpaid contractors, with some opposition lawmakers reportedly pushing for his removal.

Edun, however, defended the administration’s approach, stating that the government had ended what he described as an “unsustainable” practice of printing money to finance projects, while prioritising debt servicing.

He also maintained that about 80 per cent of the 2024 capital budget had been implemented and assured that 2025 capital releases were ongoing, targeting full completion by December.

Tension At FEC Meeting

Sources further revealed that relations between the President and Edun worsened after a reportedly heated exchange during a Federal Executive Council meeting on December 10, 2025, which allegedly required intervention from a presidential aide.

According to one insider, the incident marked a turning point, suggesting that Edun’s position had become increasingly uncertain.

Following the clash, some of his responsibilities were reportedly transferred to the office of the Minister of State for Finance.

Efforts by Edun to repair the relationship, including a visit to Lagos, were said to have yielded no positive outcome.

The appointment of Taiwo Oyedele as Minister of State for Finance in March was also interpreted by insiders as a sign of an impending shake-up.

By then, sources said it had become apparent that Edun’s exit from the cabinet was only a matter of time.

His exit followed Tuesday’s cabinet reshuffle, which also led to the removal of former Minister of Finance, Wale Edun.

In a statement released by his Special Assistant on Media and Strategy, Mark Chieshe, Dangiwa described his time in office as both a privilege and a responsibility.

He stated, “I wish to sincerely thank Mr President for the confidence he reposed in me to serve as Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development.”

He added, “It has been a rare privilege to contribute to the advancement of policies and programmes aimed at expanding access to affordable housing for Nigerians.”

Dangiwa also extended gratitude to members of the Federal Executive Council, his colleagues in government, development partners, and staff of the ministry, noting that their cooperation was key to reforms achieved in the housing sector.

According to him, the ministry made notable progress under the current administration in repositioning housing as a driver of economic growth and social inclusion.

He highlighted key achievements such as the rollout of the Renewed Hope Housing Programme, improved public-private partnerships, and reforms in land administration and housing finance.

“Together, we laid strong foundations for a more structured and sustainable housing delivery system in Nigeria,” he said.

While confirming he would comply with the handover directive, Dangiwa assured a smooth transition and reaffirmed his support for the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He expressed confidence that his successor would build on the progress already made and further accelerate development in the sector.

Dangiwa also noted that he remains committed to national development and will continue to support efforts aimed at advancing housing, infrastructure, and economic growth.

Sylva, listed as the seventh defendant in the case, is said to be currently at large and is being tried in absentia.

Sources told Daily Trust on Tuesday that authorities have engaged the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) to track and facilitate his extradition back to Nigeria for prosecution.

According to the sources, the move is intended to ensure Sylva is brought before the court to answer to the allegations against him.

reports that the development comes as the Federal Government prepares to arraign six other defendants before the Federal High Court in Abuja over the same alleged coup plot.

The case was filed on behalf of the Federal Government by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi.

Those scheduled for arraignment include retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani.

The defendants are expected to appear before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, as proceedings begin.

Sylva, who is also named in the charge, remains on the run as efforts to apprehend him continue.