BY COBHAM NSA – The Federal Government has pledged to deepen its partnership with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), as it accelerates aggressive fiscal reforms to stabilize the economy and spark long-term growth.
This is as the Fund’s outgoing Resident Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Christian Ebeke, received kudos for his significant contributions to the government’s reform efforts and macroeconomic stability.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, who underlined the commitment at a farewell dinner held in Abuja in honour of Dr. Ebeke, described him as a trusted partner whose professionalism, technical depth and constructive engagement helped strengthen cooperation between Nigeria and the IMF during a critical period of economic transition.
He 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.
The Minister noted that throughout that period, the IMF Envoy closely engaged with Nigerian authorities, providing valuable technical support while demonstrating a deep appreciation of the country’s unique economic realities.
According to him, Dr. Ebeke made significant contributions to policy discussions on fiscal reforms, domestic revenue mobilisation, public debt management, foreign exchange reforms and other strategic priorities of government, adding that his bold diplomacy and a shared vision for practical problem-solving saw Nigeria and the IMF forging an unbreakable bond, supercharging their historic partnership with a powerful new era of mutual respect and relentless, results-driven dialogue
Mr. Oyedele said beyond his professional responsibilities, Dr. Ebeke distinguished himself through his humility, accessibility and ability to build confidence across institutions.
He said rather than prescribing solutions from a distance, the IMF representative engaged stakeholders with openness, listened carefully to differing perspectives and worked collaboratively in support of Nigeria’s development aspirations.
While appreciating Dr. Ebeke’s friendship, dedication and invaluable service to Nigeria, the Minister said the relationships built during his assignment would continue to strengthen cooperation between the Federal Government and the IMF, even as he wished him and his family continued success, good health and fulfilment as he proceeds to his next assignment.
In his remarks, the Director, International Economics Relations Department (IER), Stanley George, said Dr. Ebeke’s tenure would be remembered for its professionalism, constructive engagement and steadfast support for Nigeria’s economic reform efforts.
Noting that the partnership between Nigeria and the IMF had grown stronger through sustained dialogue, mutual respect and shared commitment to the country’s economic progress, George said Dr. Ebeke’s contributions would leave a lasting impact on the relationship between both institutions.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr. Yemi Cardoso, said Dr. Ebeke’s tenure coincided with a defining period in Nigeria’s economic reform journey, during which the Federal Government and the apex Bank implemented bold policy measures to restore macroeconomic stability, strengthen policy credibility, improve market confidence and lay a firmer foundation for sustainable growth.
Praising the outgoing Envoy for bringing unmatched professionalism, objective insight, and a sharp grasp of Nigeria’s economic realities to every engagement, Cardoso said by driving constructive dialogue and technical cooperation, he set a stellar standard for the partnership.
He expressed confidence that the powerful Nigeria-IMF collaboration would be taken to even greater heights with Dr. Ebeke’s successor.
In his response, Dr. Christian Ebeke described his three year assignment in Nigeria as a cherished privilege and professionally enriching experience, noting that the role provided invaluable opportunities to collaborate with government officials, development partners, the private sector, and academia to advance the nation’s economic development.
Saying he would leave Nigeria with profound admiration for the resilience, talent and entrepreneurial spirit of its people, Dr Ebeke noted that Nigeria is well positioned to achieve inclusive and durable economic growth with sustained reforms, sound economic policies and continued collaboration among stakeholders,
He thanked the Federal Government, the Finance Minister, the CBN Governor, officials across government institutions, development partners, the media and his colleagues at IMF for their friendship, cooperation and support throughout his assignment.
According to him, the cordial IMF-Nigeria relationship has deepened a long-term partnership focused on driving national reforms and sustainable growth, adding tthat his built relationships and memories would endure past his departure, adding that he remains committed to supporting Nigeria’s future progress.
The farewell dinner to celebrate Dr. Ebeke was attended by notable guests, including DMO Director General, Patience Oniha; Statistician General, Adeyemi Adeniran, Finance Ministry senior officials and Development partner representatives among others.
