President Bola Tinubu and UK’s High Commissioner, Richard Montgomery.
Richard Montgomery, the UK’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, commended the advancements that Nigeria has achieved during President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.
Addressing the 2023 Cabinet Retreat, Montgomery praised Nigeria’s rise as a formidable regional and global force, attributing it to the forward-looking reforms and extensive multi-sector restructuring introduced by the Tinubu administration.
Speaking to ministers, presidential aides, permanent secretaries, and senior government officials, Montgomery acknowledged the formidable economic, security, and societal issues facing Nigeria. Nevertheless, he conveyed his trust in the President’s reform measures, which he deems essential in addressing these challenges.
Montgomery underscored Nigeria’s potential, stating, “Mr President, I’d like to recognize Nigeria as a growing regional and global powerhouse. You are likely to become the third largest country in the world by 2050. I applaud your plans to stabilise the economy and put it on a higher growth path to prosperity, on which so much else depends.”
He provided Nigeria with a guarantee of the UK’s steadfast support, underscoring the significance of mutual respect and collaboration between the two countries.
“The UK stands ready to support in the spirit of mutual respect. The UK stands ready to stand up on our partnerships across a range of areas, and I wish you and your government all best wishes and goodwill in your work ahead,” Montgomery affirmed.
In recognition of the significant hurdles Nigeria faces in the areas of security, the economy, and society, Montgomery lauded President Tinubu’s courageous economic reforms and his leadership role in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Furthermore, he commended Nigeria’s proactive participation in global affairs, particularly in the G-20, and its advocacy for democratic principles.
Montgomery underscored the longstanding connections and mutual commitments that exist between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.
“Nigeria really matters to the UK; we share history; we share a commitment to democratic politics, we share interests in defense and security and trade and investment,” he said.