British high commissioner lauds Tinubu’s reforms, says impact visible
British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, has praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for initiating bold economic reforms, saying their impact is already becoming evident.
Speaking on Thursday at the international civil service conference in Abuja, Montgomery commended the government’s policy choices aimed at long-term economic stability, despite the short-term hardship they may bring.
“In my two years here as high commissioner, I have been so impressed by the courage of Nigerian leaders to tackle difficult issues and launch the big and bold economic reforms now underway, however painful they may be in the short term.
“I am very confident that these reforms, which are already showing an impact, are absolutely essential for putting Nigeria onto a higher growth path and for creating the jobs and opportunities that I know, Your Excellency, you are seeking for your country,” Montgomery said.
He noted that economic reforms alone are not enough to solve all Nigeria’s challenges but said they lay a strong foundation for sustained progress.
He stated, “And of course, these reforms are not a solution to all the challenges that the civil servants — my fellow public servants in this room — are tasked with managing on a day-to-day basis across the huge responsibilities of the federal and state governments.
“But I have no doubt that civil servants at all levels are absolutely essential in putting those reforms and the benefits of those reforms into practice.”
Montgomery also stressed the importance of efficient public service delivery and integrity among civil servants in achieving the government’s reform goals.
He encouraged Nigeria to draw lessons from the economic development journeys of countries like India, China, and Singapore.
Since assuming office in May 2023, President Tinubu’s government has implemented key reforms such as removing fuel subsidies, merging forex rates, and introducing measures to attract investment. Though these policies have earned praise from global institutions, they have also triggered public outcry over inflation and rising living costs.
Despite that, the British envoy expressed optimism about Nigeria’s direction, saying the reforms, if well implemented, could lead to more jobs and better investment opportunities.
Credit – punch
