British High Commissioner Praises Nigeria’s Economic Reforms and Strategic Partnership with NRS
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 Nnew Headquarters in Abuja, on Tuesday
In a heartfelt farewell visit to Nigeria, outgoing British High Commissioner Richard Montgomery lauded the nation’s ongoing economic reforms under President Bola Tinubu, emphasizing their long-term significance for Nigeria’s growth trajectory. He also highlighted the exceptional partnership between the UK and Nigeria’s revenue agencies, describing the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) as “one of our best partners.”
Montgomery acknowledged the challenges posed by the reforms, noting, “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 (Andy Burnham), who’s hoping to speak to His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu at some point in the next few weeks, about how fundamental the reforms have been.”
During his visit to the Revenue House in Abuja, Montgomery commended the Nigerian authorities’ resilience and strategic approach. “To be in Nigeria over a three-year period where so much has happened for the good was awesome,” he said. “The work done by the finance team, including Yemi Cadoso at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Wale Edun at the Ministry of Finance, and the efforts of Zacch Adedeji and Taiwo Oyedele, now Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, on tax reform and fiscal management, has been truly impressive.”
Montgomery praised the complex nature of Nigeria’s fiscal landscape, emphasizing the importance of political savvy and technical excellence. “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. “Your team’s work to attract investments, improve credit ratings, and reform the oil sector has laid a solid foundation for sustainable growth.”
He expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, stating, “The next four years need to be about increasing the growth rate from four to seven percent because that’s what will make a difference for ordinary people. With your help and the support of other key stakeholders, I believe there are ways to achieve this.”
Montgomery also highlighted the partnership with the NRS, describing it as “one of our best partners.” He commended Dr. Zacch Adedeji for his leadership and lauded the collaboration between NRS and Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for peer review processes that enhance operational excellence.
In response, Adedeji expressed regret over Montgomery’s departure but acknowledged the impactful support received during his tenure. “Your support, both personal and technical, has transformed our narrative,” he said. “Although you are leaving, the results of your efforts are evident, and your partnership has been instrumental in shaping Nigeria’s fiscal reforms.”
He further emphasized the importance of strategic alliances over aid, stating, “Real sustainable development is not about aid giving but about strategic partnership. I am confident this spirit of cooperation will continue with your successor.”
Montgomery’s tenure leaves a legacy of strengthened UK-Nigeria relations and a shared commitment to economic transformation, positioning Nigeria on a resilient path toward sustainable growth.