FG Honours Outgoing IMF Representative, Reaffirms Commitment to Strategic Partnership
Oru Leonard
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its longstanding partnership with the International Monetary Fund as it honoured the Fund’s outgoing Resident Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Christian Ebeke, for his contributions to the country’s economic reform agenda.
At a farewell dinner in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, described Dr. Ebeke as a trusted partner whose professionalism, technical expertise and constructive engagement strengthened collaboration between Nigeria and the IMF during a critical period of economic transition.
The minister noted that Dr. Ebeke’s tenure coincided with the implementation of major economic reforms aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability, strengthening public finances, improving investor confidence and laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth.
He commended the outgoing IMF representative for his technical support in key policy areas, including fiscal reforms, domestic revenue mobilisation, public debt management and foreign exchange reforms, while acknowledging his understanding of Nigeria’s unique economic realities.
According to the minister, Dr. Ebeke distinguished himself not only through technical competence but also through humility, accessibility and his collaborative approach to engaging government institutions and stakeholders.
Director of the International Economic Relations Department, Stanley George, said Dr. Ebeke’s tenure would be remembered for professionalism, constructive engagement and steadfast support for Nigeria’s economic reform efforts. He added that the partnership between Nigeria and the IMF had been strengthened through sustained dialogue, mutual respect and a shared commitment to economic progress.
In his goodwill message, Yemi Cardoso said Dr. Ebeke served during a defining period in Nigeria’s economic reform journey, when the Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria implemented bold measures to restore macroeconomic stability, strengthen policy credibility and boost market confidence.
Cardoso praised the outgoing IMF representative for promoting constructive dialogue, facilitating technical cooperation and bringing professionalism and objectivity to every engagement, expressing confidence that the strong collaboration between Nigeria and the IMF would continue under his successor.
Responding, Dr. Ebeke described his three-year assignment in Nigeria as both a privilege and a professionally enriching experience. He said working with government institutions, development partners, the private sector, academia and other stakeholders had deepened his appreciation of Nigeria’s resilience, talent and entrepreneurial spirit.
He expressed confidence that sustained reforms, sound economic policies and continued collaboration among stakeholders would position Nigeria for inclusive and durable economic growth.
Dr. Ebeke also thanked the Federal Government, the Minister of Finance, the CBN Governor, government officials, development partners, the media and his IMF colleagues for their friendship and support throughout his assignment, noting that the cordial relationship between Nigeria and the IMF had further strengthened the longstanding partnership in support of Nigeria’s reform agenda.
The farewell ceremony attracted senior government officials, including Patience Oniha, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, heads of government agencies, representatives of development partners, members of the diplomatic community and senior officials of the Federal Ministry of Finance.
The event concluded with renewed commitment by both Nigeria and the IMF to sustain their collaboration in advancing fiscal reforms, macroeconomic stability and long-term economic development, while wishing Dr. Ebeke success in his next international assignment.
Cover Photo Caption: L-R: Director General, Debt Management Office (DMO); Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Federal Ministry of Finance; Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele; IMF Resident Representative to Nigeria, Dr. Christian Ebeke; Statistician General of the Federation; and other participants at the event.
