The outgoing Resident Representative of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Nigeria, Dr Christian Ebeke, has expressed optimism about the country’s economic prospects, saying Nigeria is well positioned to achieve inclusive and sustainable economic growth if it sustains ongoing reforms and sound macroeconomic policies.
Ebeke stated this in Abuja at a farewell dinner organised in his honour by the Federal Ministry of Finance, where the Federal Government also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its longstanding partnership with the IMF.
Reflecting on his three-year assignment in Nigeria, the outgoing IMF envoy described his posting as both a privilege and a professionally enriching experience.
He said the assignment provided him the opportunity to engage with government officials, development partners, the private sector, academia and other stakeholders committed to Nigeria’s economic development.
“I will leave Nigeria with profound admiration for the resilience, talent and entrepreneurial spirit of its people,” Ebeke said.
He added that with sustained reforms, prudent economic management and continued collaboration among key stakeholders, Nigeria has the potential to deliver inclusive and durable economic growth.
Ebeke also expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Yemi Cardoso, government officials, development partners, members of the media and his colleagues at the IMF for their cooperation and support throughout his assignment.
According to him, the cordial relationship between the IMF and Nigerian authorities has further strengthened the longstanding partnership dedicated to advancing the country’s reform agenda and sustainable development.
Reflecting on his stay in Nigeria, he 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.
Earlier, Oyedele described Ebeke as a trusted partner whose professionalism, technical expertise and constructive engagement helped deepen cooperation between Nigeria and the IMF during a critical period of economic transition.
The minister said 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.
He noted that the outgoing IMF representative contributed significantly to discussions on fiscal reforms, domestic revenue mobilisation, public debt management, foreign exchange reforms and other strategic government priorities.
“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,” Oyedele said.
Also speaking, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Yemi Cardoso, said Ebeke served during a defining period in Nigeria’s economic reform journey, when the Federal Government and the apex bank implemented bold policy measures to restore macroeconomic stability, strengthen policy credibility and improve market confidence.
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 Ebeke’s successor.
The Director of the International Economic Relations Department at the Federal Ministry of Finance, Stanley George, also praised Ebeke’s professionalism and steadfast support for Nigeria’s reform agenda, noting that his contributions would leave a lasting impact on the relationship between the country and the IMF.
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, heads of government agencies, representatives of development partners and the diplomatic community, senior officials of the Federal Ministry of Finance and other distinguished guests.
(The Whistler)