UK envoy backs Tinubu’s reforms, seeks 7% growth target

The outgoing British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, has urged the Federal Government to target an annual economic growth rate of seven per cent over the next four years, saying it is the level needed to improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians. Montgomery made the call on Tuesday during a visit to the Chairman […]

The outgoing British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, has urged the Federal Government to target an annual economic growth rate of seven per cent over the next four years, saying it is the level needed to improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

Montgomery made the call on Tuesday during a visit to the Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Zacch Adedeji, in Abuja, according to a statement by Adedeji’s Special Adviser, Dare Adekanmbi.

He said although President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms had brought short-term hardship through inflation and currency devaluation, they were necessary to put the country’s economy on a stronger footing.

“And I have been quietly saying to a couple of senior people, the next four years needs to be about getting the growth rate from four to seven percent because that’s what will make a difference for ordinary people,” he said.

The envoy praised members of the government’s economic management team, saying they had combined technical expertise with political skill in implementing difficult reforms. He also commended efforts to improve public finance management and described the Nigeria Revenue Service as one of the United Kingdom’s strongest partners.

Responding, Adedeji thanked the envoy for supporting Nigeria’s tax and fiscal reforms, describing his tenure as one that strengthened cooperation between both countries.

He said the British government’s technical support had contributed significantly to ongoing reforms and expressed confidence that the partnership would continue under Montgomery’s successor.