The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening its longstanding partnership with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) while paying tribute to the fund’s outgoing Resident Representative in Nigeria, Christian Ebeke, for his significant contributions to the country’s economic reform efforts.
Key Highlights
- FG reaffirms IMF partnership: The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to strengthening its longstanding relationship with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
- Farewell for Christian Ebeke: A farewell dinner was held in Abuja to honor outgoing IMF Resident Representative Christian Ebeke for his contributions to Nigeria’s economic reform efforts.
- Praise for Ebeke’s leadership: Government officials commended Ebeke’s professionalism, technical expertise, and constructive engagement throughout his three-year tenure.
- Support for economic reforms: Ebeke was recognized for providing technical support on key reforms, including:
- Fiscal reforms
This was contained in a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Finance Head of Information and Public Relations, Efe Ovuakporie, following a farewell dinner held in Abuja in honour of Ebeke.
At the event, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, described Ebeke 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.
Oyedele noted that 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.
According to the minister, the outgoing IMF resident representative was closely engaged with Nigerian authorities throughout his assignment, providing valuable technical support while demonstrating a deep appreciation of the country’s unique economic realities.
He added that Ebeke made notable contributions to policy discussions on fiscal reforms, domestic revenue mobilisation, public debt management, foreign exchange reforms and other strategic government priorities.
“His commitment to dialogue, mutual respect and practical problem-solving further strengthened the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and the IMF,” Oyedele said.
The minister further observed that beyond his official responsibilities, Ebeke distinguished himself through his humility, accessibility and 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 added.
Oyedele thanked Ebeke for his friendship, dedication and invaluable service to Nigeria, noting that the relationships established during his tenure would continue to strengthen cooperation between the federal government and the IMF.
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He also wished him and his family good health, success and fulfilment in his future endeavours.
Also speaking, the Director of the International Economic Relations Department, Stanley George, said Ebeke’s tenure would be remembered for its professionalism, constructive engagement and steadfast support for Nigeria’s economic reform agenda.
He noted that the partnership between Nigeria and the IMF had grown stronger through sustained dialogue, mutual respect and a shared commitment to the country’s economic progress, adding that Ebeke’s contributions would leave a lasting impact on relations between both institutions.
In his goodwill message, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Yemi Cardoso, said Ebeke served during a defining period in Nigeria’s economic reform journey, during which the federal government and the CBN implemented bold policy measures to restore macroeconomic stability, strengthen policy credibility, improve market confidence and lay a firmer foundation for sustainable growth.
Cardoso commended the outgoing IMF representative for promoting constructive dialogue, facilitating technical cooperation and bringing professionalism, objectivity and a practical understanding of Nigeria’s economic realities to every engagement.
He expressed confidence that the strong collaboration between Nigeria and the IMF would continue under Dr. Ebeke’s successor.
Responding to the tributes, Ebeke described his three-year assignment in Nigeria as both a privilege and a professionally enriching experience.
He said serving as the IMF resident representative afforded him the opportunity to engage with government officials, development partners, the private sector, academia and other stakeholders committed to Nigeria’s economic development.
Ebeke said he would leave Nigeria with profound admiration for the resilience, talent and entrepreneurial spirit of its people, expressing confidence that sustained reforms, sound economic policies and continued collaboration among stakeholders would position the country for inclusive and durable economic growth.
He thanked the federal government, the finance minister, the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, development partners, members of the media and his colleagues at the IMF for their friendship, cooperation and support throughout his assignment.
Reflecting on his time in Nigeria, Ebeke said the relationships he built and the memories he created would remain with him long after his departure, adding that he looked forward to following Nigeria’s progress and remaining a friend of the country in the years ahead.
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.
