By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The outgoing British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, has expressed confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, saying the measures, though painful in the short term, would ultimately place Nigeria on a stronger and more sustainable economic path.
Montgomery made the remarks on Tuesday, 21 July ,2026 during a farewell visit to the Revenue House in Abuja, where he met with the Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Dr Zacch Adedeji.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the NRS Chairman, Dare Adekanmbi, the envoy used the occasion to commend the Federal Government’s economic management team for pursuing reforms aimed at stabilising the nation’s economy.
The British diplomat acknowledged that recent economic policies, including currency devaluation and rising inflation, had imposed hardship on many Nigerians. However, he maintained that such measures were necessary to restore economic vitality and improve the country’s long-term prospects.
Montgomery said serving in Nigeria over the past three years had been a remarkable experience, particularly at a period when significant economic reforms were being implemented.
He said: “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.
However, I stand by and continue to brief our new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, who’s hoping to speak to Mr President at some point in the next couple of weeks.
“I know that Nigeria is complicated. I know that budget and fiscal management are always particularly difficult because of the way the budget works in the National Assembly.”
The envoy further praised the country’s economic management team, saying the efforts being made by key officials, including the Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, were laying the foundation for stronger economic growth.
According to him, the work undertaken to reposition Nigeria’s economy has been commendable, describing the achievements recorded so far as fantastic.
Montgomery also described the Nigeria Revenue Service as one of the British High Commission’s strongest institutional partners, while commending Adedeji for what he called the difficult but commendable work he had carried out in driving revenue and fiscal reforms.
Responding, Adedeji expressed appreciation for the envoy’s support throughout his diplomatic assignment in Nigeria, noting that Montgomery’s personal commitment and technical assistance had significantly contributed to the success of ongoing reforms.
He said: “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 also like to thank you for your commitment, and I am very grateful.
“You saw us as part of the economic fabric of this country. Those engagements really went a long way in shaping our reforms.”
Adedeji also expressed regret over Montgomery’s departure, describing his tenure as one marked by constructive engagement and strong collaboration between the British High Commission and Nigeria’s economic institutions.
