FG Reaffirms Commitment to IMF Partnership, Honours Outgoing Resident Representative for Supporting Nigeria’s Economic Reforms

By Pan Afric Reporters

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), paying glowing tribute to the Fund’s outgoing Resident Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Christian Ebeke, for his pivotal role in supporting the country’s economic reform agenda during a critical period of fiscal and macroeconomic transition.

The commitment was made during a farewell dinner held in Abuja in honour of Dr. Ebeke, where the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, praised the outgoing IMF official for his professionalism, technical expertise and constructive engagement, describing him as a trusted partner who contributed significantly to Nigeria’s reform efforts.

The commendation was contained in a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Finance and signed by its Head of Information and Public Relations, Mr. Efe Ovuakporie.

Speaking at the event, Oyedele said Dr. Ebeke’s tenure coincided with the implementation of far-reaching reforms aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability, strengthening public finances, improving investor confidence and laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth.

He noted that throughout the reform period, the IMF representative remained actively engaged with Nigerian authorities, offering valuable technical support while demonstrating a deep understanding of the country’s unique economic realities.

According to the minister, Dr. Ebeke made important contributions to policy discussions on fiscal reforms, domestic revenue mobilisation, public debt management, foreign exchange reforms and other strategic government priorities.

“Dr. Ebeke’s professionalism, technical depth and constructive engagement helped strengthen cooperation between Nigeria and the IMF during a critical period of economic transition,” Oyedele said.

The minister added that beyond his official responsibilities, Dr. Ebeke distinguished himself through humility, accessibility and an ability to build confidence across institutions.

“Rather than prescribing solutions from a distance, he engaged stakeholders with openness, listened carefully to differing perspectives and worked collaboratively in support of Nigeria’s development aspirations,” he stated.

Oyedele thanked the outgoing IMF Resident Representative for his friendship, dedication and invaluable service to Nigeria, expressing confidence that the relationships built during his assignment would continue to strengthen cooperation between Nigeria and the IMF.

Also speaking, the Director of the International Economic Relations Department, Mr. Stanley George, said Dr. Ebeke’s tenure would be remembered for professionalism, constructive engagement and steadfast support for Nigeria’s economic reform programme.

He noted that sustained dialogue, mutual respect and shared commitment had further strengthened relations between Nigeria and the IMF during the period.

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Yemi Cardoso, also commended Dr. Ebeke, saying his tenure coincided with one of the most defining periods in Nigeria’s economic reform journey.

Cardoso noted that both the Federal Government and the apex bank had implemented bold policy measures to restore macroeconomic stability, improve policy credibility, strengthen market confidence and lay a firmer foundation for sustainable economic growth.

He praised Dr. Ebeke for promoting constructive dialogue, facilitating technical cooperation and bringing professionalism, objectivity and a practical understanding of Nigeria’s economic realities to every engagement.

“The strong collaboration between Nigeria and the IMF will continue under Dr. Ebeke’s successor,” Cardoso said.

Responding to the tributes, Dr. Christian Ebeke described his three-year assignment in Nigeria as both a privilege and a professionally enriching experience.

He said serving as IMF Resident Representative gave him the opportunity to work closely with government officials, development partners, the private sector, academia and other stakeholders committed to Nigeria’s economic development.

“I will leave Nigeria with profound admiration for the resilience, talent and entrepreneurial spirit of its people,” Ebeke said.

He expressed confidence that with sustained reforms, sound economic policies and continued collaboration among stakeholders, Nigeria is well-positioned to achieve inclusive and durable economic growth.

Dr. Ebeke also thanked the Federal Government, the Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank of Nigeria, government institutions, development partners, members of the media and his colleagues at the IMF for their cooperation and support throughout his assignment.

“The cordial relationship between the IMF and Nigerian authorities has further strengthened the longstanding partnership dedicated to advancing the country’s reform agenda and sustainable development,” he added.

The farewell dinner was attended by top government officials, including the Director-General of the Debt Management Office, Mrs. Patience Oniha, the Statistician-General of the Federation, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, chief executives of government agencies, representatives of development partners and the diplomatic community, senior officials of the Federal Ministry of Finance and other distinguished guests.

The event concluded with renewed commitments by both Nigeria and the IMF to sustain their longstanding collaboration in support of the country’s ongoing fiscal reforms, macroeconomic stability and sustainable economic development, while wishing Dr. Ebeke success in his future assignments.