UK Endorses Tinubu’s Economic Reforms, Promises Stronger Trade Partnership with Nigeria
The United Kingdom has expressed strong support for President Bola Tinubu’s economic and trade reforms, describing them as bold measures necessary to reposition Nigeria’s economy. British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, said the reforms, though painful, are already opening up new opportunities for trade and investment. Montgomery, accompanied by British Deputy High Commissioner Gill Lever, made this known during a courtesy visit to First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu at the State House in Abuja.
Montgomery’s remarks came just days after World Trade Organisation (WTO) Director-General, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, also commended the administration’s sweeping reforms. She praised the measures as critical in restoring stability and laying the groundwork for sustainable economic growth but advised the government to introduce stronger safety nets to cushion citizens against rising living costs.
The British envoy noted that the UK was impressed with the pace of reforms under President Tinubu, stressing that they have already enhanced bilateral cooperation. He further highlighted the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), spearheaded by the First Lady, as a model programme empowering women in education, healthcare, and humanitarian services. According to Montgomery, such initiatives are creating real opportunities and strengthening trade partnerships between Nigeria and the UK.
In response, Senator Oluremi Tinubu reiterated her commitment to ensuring that RHI continues to impact lives, particularly among women in the informal sector. She explained that the programme focuses on grassroots empowerment, enabling women to become self-reliant and active contributors to the economy. She added that collaboration with international partners like the UK would further amplify these efforts.
On political participation, the First Lady raised concerns over the declining number of women in Nigeria’s National Assembly. She pledged to support initiatives that encourage greater female representation in governance, stressing the need for women to make informed choices in electing credible leaders. “We have to know the right people to represent us, who can do the work, and that is what we have to enlighten our women about,” she said.