The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has held a send-off party in honour of the out-going Senior Resident Representative of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Nigeria, Dr. William Scott Rogers.

At an impressive ceremony on Tuesday (August 27) that attracted members of the top echelons in the Nigerian and African banking sectors, the CBN Governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, CON, poured encomiums on Dr. Rogers, describing him as a true friend of Nigeria.

Mallam Sanusi recalled that the Senior IMF Resident Representative assumed duty in Nigeria at a time the country and indeed the financial globe was passing through a turbulent period. He, however, noted that Rogers applied himself to the task at hand by proffering well-thought-out solutions to the financial challenge without imposing his suggestions on the country.

Speaking further, the Governor thanked the departing IMF Rep for his contributions to issues bordering on Nigeria’s monetary policies and CBN’s autonomy as well as other activities of the Bank. He noted that Dr. Rogers exhibited true professionalism and displayed an astute understanding of the Nigerian economy.

While wishing Dr. Rogers well in subsequent assignments, Sanusi assured him that he would always be welcome in Nigeria.

Also paying tribute to Rogers, the CBN Deputy Governor, Economic Policy, Dr. (Mrs.) Sarah Alade, OON, said he would be best remembered for his commendable contribution to monetary policy.

According to her, Dr. Rogers in his capacity as IMF Resident Rep distinguished himself in the discharge of his duties by being objective on monetary policy matters. This, she noted, endeared him to the Bank, particularly as his input also helped to buoy price stability in Nigeria.

Others who spoke included the President, African Development Bank (AfDB), Mr. Donald Kaberuka; Director, Monetary Policy at the CBN, Mr. Moses Tule, and other CBN staff who worked closely with Dr. Rogers.

In his response, the out-going IMF chief thanked both staff and the Management of CBN for the cooperation he received during his tour of duty in Nigeria. He particularly praised the CBN Governor for always being pro-active in coming up with policies that would help stabilise the system. He noted that even when he and the Governor differed on issues, they always had a way of agreeing on the grounds of principles.

Dr. Rogers also thanked the Deputy Governor, Economic Policy, for all the assistance that the IMF Country Office received during his stay and prayed that the cooperation would be sustained.

He admitted that he would miss Nigeria and Nigerians but, however, pledged to keep contact with all the people he met in the country during his tour of duty.

Dr. W. Scott Rogers, who assumed duty in Nigeria as the IMF Senior Resident Representative in 2010, is leaving following the expiration of his duty tour to the country.

•Photo shows CBN Governor Sanusi welcoming Dr. Rogers to the send-off ceremony.