Nigeria Needs Better Governance Now, UK Envoy Tells Tinubu

British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, has emphasised the urgent need for improved governance in Nigeria.

He stated this in his speech at the opening ceremony of Tinubu’s administration’s first Cabinet Retreat at the New Conference Centre of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The retreat, with the theme: “Delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda” is organised for ministers, presidential aides, permanent secretaries and other top government functions.

Acknowledging the challenges ahead and the tough global context inherited by the government, the envoy expressed his optimism in the resilience of the Nigerian people.

He said, “Mr. President, no doubt there are challenges ahead. This government has inherited big problems and a tough global context. These are difficult times and people are hurting. Expectations are high. Better delivery is desperately needed.

The envoy encouraged the administration to remove constraints on the entrepreneurial spirit of Nigerians and provide assistance to those in need, fostering progress.

Montgomery commended Nigeria’s leadership for their commitment to addressing significant security, economic, and social challenges.

He recognized the formidable global hurdles posed by a challenging global economy and shifting geopolitical dynamics, and hailed the bold economic reforms undertaken by the Nigerian government.

The UK pledged its support in the spirit of mutual respect, ready to stand by its partnerships with Nigeria across various domains.

In his address, World Bank country director for Nigeria, Shubham Chaudhuri, emphasised the institution’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s mission of lifting millions of its citizens out of poverty and improving the lives of its people.

Chaudhuri highlighted the significant financial commitment of the World Bank, stating, “Our board has committed, approved, over $11 billion in financing for the government, and our financing is meant to go for government at both the federal and at the sub-national levels.”