FG hosts farewell dinner for outgoing IMF Resident Representative, hails Ebeke’s contributions to reforms

By Onu Okorie

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, Dr Christian Ebeke, for his contributions to the country’s economic reform efforts.

The commitment was reaffirmed at a farewell dinner held in Abuja in Dr Ebeke’s honour, where the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, 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.

The Minister noted that 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 growth. He said the outgoing Resident Representative remained closely engaged with Nigerian authorities throughout that period, providing technical support while showing a deep appreciation of the country’s unique economic realities.

Oyedele said Dr Ebeke made significant contributions to policy discussions on fiscal reforms, domestic revenue mobilisation, public debt management, foreign exchange reforms and other strategic government priorities, adding that his commitment to dialogue, mutual respect and practical problem-solving further strengthened the relationship between Nigeria and the Fund.

Beyond his professional responsibilities, the Minister said, Dr Ebeke distinguished himself through humility, accessibility and an ability to build confidence across institutions, engaging stakeholders with openness rather than prescribing solutions from a distance. Oyedele thanked him for his friendship and service, and wished him and his family success in his next assignment.

The Director of the International Economic Relations Department, Stanley George, said Dr Ebeke’s tenure would be remembered for its professionalism and steadfast support for Nigeria’s reform efforts, noting that the Nigeria-IMF partnership had grown stronger through sustained dialogue and mutual respect.

In a goodwill message, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Yemi Cardoso, said Dr Ebeke’s tenure coincided with a defining period in Nigeria’s reform journey, during which the Federal Government and the CBN implemented bold measures to restore macroeconomic stability and strengthen policy credibility. He commended Dr Ebeke for promoting constructive dialogue and technical cooperation, and expressed confidence that collaboration with the IMF would continue under his successor.

Responding to the tributes, Dr Ebeke described his three-year assignment in Nigeria as both a privilege and a professionally enriching experience, one that allowed him to engage with government officials, development partners, the private sector, academia and other stakeholders. He said he would leave with profound admiration for the resilience, talent and entrepreneurial spirit of Nigerians, and expressed confidence that sustained reforms and continued collaboration would position the country for inclusive, durable growth.

He thanked the Federal Government, the Finance Minister, the CBN Governor, government officials, development partners, the media and his IMF colleagues for their support throughout his assignment, adding that he would remain a friend of Nigeria and follow its progress closely in the years ahead.

The 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; and senior officials of the Federal Ministry of Finance.

The evening ended with renewed commitment to sustaining the Nigeria-IMF partnership that has supported the country’s ongoing fiscal and macroeconomic reforms, as guests wished Dr Ebeke and his family success in his next assignment.