The outgoing British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, has commended the economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu administration, saying the measures, despite causing short-term hardship, would place the country on a stronger footing in the long term.
Montgomery spoke on Tuesday during a farewell visit to the Revenue House in Abuja, where he described the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) as “one of our best partners.”
A statement by Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser to the Chairman of the NRS, Dr Zacch Adedeji, quoted the envoy as saying that the reforms undertaken by the Tinubu administration were fundamental to the future of Nigeria.
Montgomery acknowledged that the reforms had brought short-term pain to ordinary Nigerians through challenges including currency devaluation and inflation.
L-R: Outgoing British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery and the Executive Chairman, Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Dr Zacch Adedeji, during Montgomery’s farewell visit to Adedeji at the NRS new headquarters in Abuja, on Tuesday.
He, however, said the monetary, fiscal and tax reforms undertaken by the administration were necessary to restore vitality to the economy.
“I know that a lot of the economic reforms are tough, and they can cause short-term pain for ordinary people devaluation, inflation, and so forth,” he said.
“But I stand by and continue to brief, including our new Prime Minister, who is hoping to speak to His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, at some point in the next couple of weeks, about how fundamental the reforms have been.”
He commended the work of Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Olayemi Cardoso; former Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; NRS Chairman, Zacch Adedeji; and the current Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, in driving monetary, fiscal and tax reforms.
Montgomery also praised the economic management team for improving fiscal management, attracting investments and working to improve the country’s investment climate and credit ratings.
He said the reforms were being implemented in a complex environment, particularly given the challenges surrounding budgeting and fiscal management.
“I think what the finance ministers and you personally and your team have done to try and put Nigeria on a better footing and also just manage the money better have been fantastic,” he said.
The British envoy said the next major priority should be to accelerate economic growth from about four per cent to seven per cent, stressing that stronger growth was necessary to make a meaningful difference in the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
“The next four years needs to be about getting the growth rate from four to seven per cent because that’s what will make a difference for ordinary people,” Montgomery said.
He also commended the NRS for its collaboration with His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), particularly in the peer review of processes.
Describing the NRS as “one of our best partners,” Montgomery praised Adedeji for what he described as difficult but important work in reforming Nigeria’s tax administration.
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Responding, Adedeji expressed sadness over Montgomery’s departure, commending his contributions to Nigeria-UK relations and the country’s economic reform efforts.
He particularly acknowledged the envoy’s personal support and the technical assistance provided by the United Kingdom to the NRS.
“The way you’ve done this work actually changed the story, most especially your support, both personal as well as the technical assistance for our reforms,” Adedeji said.
He said Montgomery’s engagement with Nigerian officials had contributed significantly to the shaping of the country’s reforms.
Adedeji also endorsed the envoy’s view that sustainable development should be built on strategic partnerships rather than aid dependency.
“I also like what you said that real sustainable development is not about aid-giving, but about strategic partnership. I’m very sure that that kind of engagement will continue through your successor,” he said.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.