Outgoing British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, has praised the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu, saying they would place Nigeria on a stronger footing in the long term.
Montgomery stated that although the reforms had imposed short-term hardship on many Nigerians, they were critical to restoring vitality to the economy.
According to a statement by Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser to the Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Dr Zacch Adedeji, the envoy spoke during a farewell visit to the Revenue House in Abuja.
Reflecting on his three-year posting in Nigeria, Montgomery said he had witnessed significant developments that would benefit the country.
“To be in Nigeria over a three-year period where so much has happened for the good was awesome.
“And I know that a lot of the economic reforms are tough, and they can cause short-term pain for ordinary people—you know, devaluation, inflation and so forth.
“But I stand by and continue to brief, including our new Prime Minister, about how fundamental the reforms have been, whether the monetary work done by Yemi Cardoso at the Central Bank of Nigeria or initially by Mr Wale Edun at the Ministry of Finance, and of course, the work that you and Taiwo Oyedele have done on tax reform and fiscal management.”
READ ALSO: Senate Passes Bill To Rename NAICOM As Insurance Regulatory Commission
The envoy acknowledged the complexities of managing Nigeria’s economy and budgetary process, describing the efforts of the country’s economic managers as commendable.
“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.
“I am full of admiration for not just the technical, but also the politically savvy way in which your team has worked.”
Montgomery also pointed to reforms in the oil sector, increased investment inflows and improving credit ratings as signs of progress.
According to him, the reforms being implemented by members of the economic management team are fundamental to Nigeria’s future.
He added that the next phase should focus on increasing economic growth from four per cent to seven per cent to make a meaningful difference in the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
The outgoing envoy described the NRS as “one of our best partners” and commended Adedeji for what he called effective leadership of the agency.
He also praised the partnership between the NRS and His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), particularly in the area of peer review and institutional reforms.
Responding, Adedeji expressed appreciation for Montgomery’s support and contributions during his tenure in Nigeria.
“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.
“The support is not lost on us. I would like to thank you for your commitment, and I am very grateful.”
Adedeji said the envoy’s engagements with the NRS had helped shape several reforms and expressed confidence that the strategic partnership between both countries would continue under Montgomery’s successor.
“You saw us as part of the economic fabric of this country. Those engagements really went a long way in shaping our reforms.
“I also like what you said, that real sustainable development is not about aid giving, but about strategic partnership. I am very sure that that kind of engagement will continue through your successor,” he said.
