The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, has praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its ongoing economic reforms, describing them as bold and necessary steps toward long-term national development.
Speaking at the International Civil Service Conference in Abuja on Thursday, Montgomery said the reforms are already producing visible results, even though they come with short-term challenges for citizens.
He commended the Nigerian government for having the courage to implement policies aimed at strengthening the country’s economic foundations, noting that such reforms are essential for sustainable growth.
“In my two years as high commissioner, I’ve been deeply impressed by the resolve of Nigerian leaders to confront difficult issues and initiate far-reaching reforms,” Montgomery said. “Though painful in the short term, they are already making an impact and are key to setting Nigeria on a stronger economic path.”
While acknowledging that economic reforms alone cannot resolve all institutional problems, Montgomery emphasized their importance as a foundation for broader progress. He urged public servants at all levels to ensure that the benefits of these reforms reach ordinary Nigerians.
“These reforms won’t solve every challenge faced by civil servants,” he noted, “but their success largely depends on the dedication and efficiency of the public sector in implementing them.”
Montgomery also underscored the critical role of performance and integrity within the civil service, stressing that effective governance hinges on a capable bureaucracy. He encouraged Nigeria to draw lessons from the experiences of countries like India, China, and Singapore in navigating economic transformation.
