CBN Says Rogers, IMF Rep is Friend of Nigeria

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has described Dr. William Scott Rogers, out-going senior resident representative of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Nigeria, as a true friend of the country.

At a send-off party in honour of Rogers, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, CBN governor, 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 the Bank’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 him well in subsequent assignments, Sanusi assured the IMF Chief that he would always be welcome in Nigeria.

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

According to her, the 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 Mr. Donald Kaberuka, president, African Development Bank (AfDB); Mr. Moses Tule, director, Monetary Policy at the CBN, and other CBN staff who worked closely with Rogers.

In his response, Dr. Rogers thanked both staff and the Management of the 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 stabilize 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.

He 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 he would miss Nigeria and her peoples but however pledged to keep contact with all the people he met here during his tour of duty.

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