The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its partnership with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as it continues implementing fiscal and macroeconomic reforms aimed at restoring economic stability and supporting long-term growth.
The commitment was made during a farewell dinner in Abuja in honour of the outgoing IMF Resident Representative in Nigeria, Dr Christian Ebeke, according to a statement issued on Sunday by the Head of Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Finance, Efe Ovuakporie.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, described Ebeke as a trusted partner whose professionalism, technical expertise and constructive engagement strengthened cooperation between Nigeria and the IMF during a critical period of economic transition.
Edun said Ebeke’s three-year tenure coincided with the implementation of major economic reforms aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability, strengthening public finances, boosting investor confidence and laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth.
He noted that throughout the reform period, Ebeke worked closely with Nigerian authorities, providing technical support while demonstrating a clear understanding of the country’s economic realities.
According to the minister, the outgoing IMF representative made significant contributions to discussions on fiscal reforms, domestic revenue mobilisation, public debt management, foreign exchange reforms and other key government priorities.
Edun added that Ebeke’s commitment to dialogue, mutual respect and practical problem-solving further strengthened the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and the IMF.
He also praised Ebeke’s humility, accessibility and ability to build confidence across institutions, noting that he engaged stakeholders openly, listened to different perspectives and worked collaboratively in support of Nigeria’s development goals.
The minister thanked Ebeke for his service and expressed confidence that the relationships established during his assignment would continue to strengthen cooperation between Nigeria and the IMF.
Also speaking, the Director of the International Economic Relations Department at the Ministry of Finance, Stanley George, said Ebeke’s tenure would be remembered for its professionalism, constructive engagement and steadfast support for Nigeria’s economic reform agenda.
George said 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.
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, also commended Ebeke, saying his tenure coincided with a defining period in Nigeria’s economic reform programme.
Cardoso said the Federal Government and the CBN had implemented bold policy measures to restore macroeconomic stability, strengthen policy credibility, improve market confidence and lay a stronger foundation for sustainable growth.
He praised 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 CBN governor expressed confidence that the strong collaboration between Nigeria and the IMF would continue under Ebeke’s successor.
Responding, Ebeke described his three-year assignment in Nigeria as both a privilege and a professionally rewarding experience.
He said serving as the IMF Resident Representative gave him the opportunity to work with government officials, development partners, the private sector, academia and other stakeholders committed to Nigeria’s economic development.
Ebeke said he was leaving Nigeria with profound admiration for the resilience, talent and entrepreneurial spirit of Nigerians. He expressed confidence that sustained reforms, sound economic policies and continued collaboration among stakeholders would position the country for inclusive and durable economic growth.
He also thanked the Federal Government, the Minister of Finance, the CBN governor, government officials, development partners, members of the media and IMF colleagues for their support throughout his assignment.
According to Ebeke, the cordial relationship between the IMF and Nigerian authorities has further strengthened the long-standing partnership focused on advancing Nigeria’s reform agenda and sustainable development.
The event was attended by senior government officials, including the Director-General of the Debt Management Office, Patience Oniha, the Statistician-General of the Federation, Adeyemi Adeniran, chief executives of government agencies, representatives of development partners, members of the diplomatic community and senior officials of the Federal Ministry of Finance.
The statement said the evening concluded with renewed appreciation for the enduring partnership between Nigeria and the IMF and a shared commitment to sustaining collaboration in support of the country’s ongoing fiscal and macroeconomic reform agenda.
