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UK backs Tinubu’s reform, says steps painful but necessary
Favour Rotimi
The United Kingdom (UK) yesterday endorsed the economic and trade reforms being implemented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The United Kingdom High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, commended the initiative of Tinubu’s Administration.
The reforms, though painful, were necessary to get the economy back on track, the envoy said.
He described them as bold, brave and positive steps that have been creating new opportunities.
Montgomery spoke yesterday when he, in the company of British Deputy High Commissioner, Gill Lever, visited First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu at the State House in Abuja.
The High Commissioner spoke days after a similar commendation came from the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala, who visited the President at work, lauded the sweeping economic reforms, describing them as pivotal in restoring economic stability and laying the groundwork for sustainable growth.
According to the former finance minister and coordinating minister of the economy, the government should accelerate growth and cushion the reform-induced cost-of-living crisis.
She said the introduction of safety nets would cushion the effects of the necessary reforms, for which President Tinubu deserves credit.
In a statement yesterday by the Senior Special Assistant to the First Lady on Media, Busola Kukoyi, Montgomery said the UK government was impressed with the reforms, which, though difficult, have been necessary to reposition Nigeria’s economy and expand avenues for trade and investment between both nations.
He also highlighted the positive impact of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), the First Lady’s flagship programme, which he praised for delivering empowerment to women across critical sectors such as education, health, and humanitarian services.
“These reforms and initiatives have already led to stronger trade partnerships between our two countries,” Montgomery said.
He further noted that the UK was closely following Nigeria’s ongoing constitutional amendment process, especially proposals for special seats for women in the National Assembly.
The First Lady assured the delegation that both the government and RHI would continue to pursue policies and initiatives that address the challenges of Nigerians.
She emphasised that women’s empowerment remains a central focus of the initiative, particularly in the informal sector, where lives are being directly impacted.
“I believe we can help each other if we really show concern.
“RHI focuses on women’s empowerment in the informal sector.
“These are the ones whose lives we are touching directly,” the First Lady was quoted as saying.
On women’s political participation, Senator Tinubu acknowledged concerns over the dwindling number of women in the National Assembly.
She pledged to support efforts to reverse the trend, stressing the importance of ensuring that women are well-informed in choosing representatives who can deliver results.
“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,” Mrs. Tinubu added.
