Nigeria is well placed to achieve inclusive and sustainable economic growth if it maintains ongoing economic reforms and sound macroeconomic policies, the outgoing Resident Representative of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Nigeria, Dr. Christian Ebeke, has said.

Ebeke made the remarks at a farewell dinner organised in his honour by the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja, where government officials reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its long-standing partnership with the IMF.

Reflecting on his three-year assignment, the outgoing IMF representative described his posting as both a privilege and a professionally rewarding experience, noting that it enabled him to engage extensively with government institutions, 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, expressing confidence that sustained reforms, prudent macroeconomic management and continued collaboration among stakeholders would position the country for durable and inclusive growth.

He also thanked the Federal Government, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Yemi Cardoso, development partners, members of the media and IMF colleagues for their support throughout his tenure.

According to Ebeke, the close working relationship between the IMF and Nigerian authorities has further strengthened a partnership focused on advancing the country’s reform agenda and long-term development goals.

Speaking at the event, Oyedele described Ebeke as a trusted partner whose technical expertise and constructive engagement deepened cooperation between Nigeria and the IMF during a critical phase of economic reforms.

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He noted that Ebeke’s tenure coincided with the implementation of key reforms aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability, strengthening public finances, boosting investor confidence and laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth.

Oyedele said the IMF official made valuable contributions to discussions on fiscal reforms, domestic revenue mobilisation, public debt management and foreign exchange policy, adding that he consistently engaged stakeholders with openness and a willingness to understand Nigeria’s unique development challenges.

CBN Governor Cardoso also commended Ebeke’s professionalism, saying he served during a defining period in Nigeria’s economic reform journey. He credited the outgoing IMF representative with fostering constructive dialogue, promoting technical cooperation and supporting policy measures designed to strengthen macroeconomic stability and market confidence.

Cardoso expressed confidence that the productive collaboration between Nigeria and the IMF would continue under Ebeke’s successor.

Also speaking, Director of the International Economic Relations Department at the Federal Ministry of Finance, Stanley George, praised Ebeke’s dedication and support for Nigeria’s reform programme, describing his contributions as significant to the evolving relationship between the country and the IMF.

The farewell ceremony was attended by senior government officials, including Director-General of the Debt Management Office Patience Oniha, Statistician-General of the Federation Adeyemi Adeniran, heads of government agencies, representatives of development partners and members of the diplomatic community.