British High Commissioner Richard Montgomery says Nigeria’s difficult economic reforms are yielding results that boost investor confidence and deepen UK-Nigeria trade ties.
British High Commissioner to Nigeria Richard Montgomery has hailed Nigeria’s economic reforms as “painful but working,” citing stronger investor confidence and record bilateral trade of £7.9 billion. Montgomery told BusinessDay in Abuja that British investors are expanding into technology, energy, agriculture and creative sectors as policies under President Bola Tinubu stabilize the economy. “Nigeria does not want a donor; it wants a partner. That is precisely the role the UK seeks to play,” he said.
He credited Tinubu’s team for reforms that have eased inflation to about 20 percent, lifted foreign reserves to $42 billion and increased state allocations. Through the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership, both countries aim to align regulations and unlock jobs and capital.
Montgomery highlighted British International Investment’s £700 million Nigerian portfolio and new UK-led tech missions, while noting that visa approval rates remain high despite tighter rules. He reaffirmed UK support for Nigeria’s security efforts and praised its regional diplomacy in the Sahel.