The Federal Government of Nigeria has pledged to continue expanding its multilateral collaboration with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), following the conclusion of a successful three-year assignment by the Fund’s Resident Representative, Dr. Christian Ebeke. ​
The commitment was formally reiterated in Abuja on Sunday, July 26, 2026, during a farewell reception hosted in honor of the Cameroonian-born macroeconomist, who is completing his tour of duty in West Africa’s largest economy. ​
Delivering the key tribute, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, praised Dr. Ebeke’s role in bridging global financial expertise with local macroeconomic policy. ​
“Dr. Ebeke’s tenure coincided with a defining period of structural reform,” Oyedele stated. “His technical depth, accessibility, and practical problem-solving approach proved invaluable as Nigeria navigated critical policy realignments to restore long-term fiscal stability and boost investor confidence.”
​During his three years in Abuja, Dr. Ebeke worked alongside Nigerian fiscal and monetary authorities, contributing to critical policy domains; Providing technical advisory to widen the tax base and optimize revenue generation frameworks.
His stewardship help with Debt Sustainability & Governance, supporting analytical frameworks for public debt management and fiscal discipline and engaging closely with central bank leadership during major foreign exchange market liquidity and policy adjustments. ​
Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Mr. Olayemi Cardoso commended the outgoing diplomat for bringing high-level objectivity and deep domain knowledge to technical consultations. Cardoso noted that the institutional framework built over the last three years sets a seamless foundation for Dr. Ebeke’s successor.
​Adding to the tributes, Mr. Stanley George, Director of the International Economic Relations Department at the Ministry of Finance, emphasized that Ebeke’s tenure leaves behind an enduring legacy of mutual trust between the Bretton Woods institution and Nigerian policymakers.
​In his parting address, Dr. Christian Ebeke described his assignment in Nigeria as a deeply rewarding professional chapter. He expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, CBN, civil society, private sector leaders, and development partners for their open collaboration.
​”I complete my mission with profound admiration for the resilience, talent, and entrepreneurial drive of the Nigerian people,” Ebeke said. “With steady commitment to sound policy implementation and continued stakeholder cooperation, Nigeria remains firmly on track to unlock inclusive and sustainable economic growth.” ​
The send-off was attended by prominent key government figures, including Mrs. Patience Oniha, Director-General of the Debt Management Office (DMO), and Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, Statistician-General of the Federation.
