UK government commends new Nigerian government for trying to reposition economy

BRITAIN's high commissioner to Nigeria Richard Montgomery has commended the country's new administration for taking bold reforms in repositioning the economy saying it has placed the nation on a pedestal of sustainable economic growth.

Speaking earlier today while paying a visit to George Akume, the secretary to the federal government, at his office in Abuja, Mr Montgomery said that the essence of their visit was to get acquainted with the key priority areas of the federal government. He added that the UK government also wanted to tailor its support to Nigeria in line with the country's needs.

Congratulating Mr Akume on his appointment by President Bola Tinubu, Mr Montgomery noted that the UK government, through the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office and Partnership to Engage Reform and Learn will continue to collaborate with Nigeria. He added that this will be through ongoing programmes like the Central Delivery Coordination Unit, Ministerial Retreat as well as the Community of Practice to Secretaries to the State Governments in the country.

Mr Montgomery pledged to consolidate the gains of the existing bilateral relations and make further inroads into other areas to promote and stabilise Nigeria’s democracy. Welcoming this offer of help, Mr Akume asked for support from the British government to combat insecurity and infrastructural development among other problems.

Also, Mr Akume called on the British government to assist the federal government to curb Boko Haram insurgency, banditry and farmers-herders clashes. Recalling the age-long colonial relationship between UK and Nigeria, he said it has become necessary that both countries work together.

Mr Akume said: “We want to make a difference in the lives of our people. We are not after money, we are after infrastructure, we are after food security, and we are after energy. We believe with your support we should go further than this.

"We also have nine mandate areas. Honestly, by the time you support us, it is mutual, you will be surprised that the relationship will soar to greater heights."