UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham to Engage President Tinubu on Economic Reforms
…Outgoing Envoy Applauds Nigeria’s Fiscal Strategy
By Patience Ikpeme
New British Prime Minister Andy Burnham is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the coming weeks to discuss Nigeria’s fundamental economic shifts, fiscal policies, and tax management strategies.
This disclosure was made in Abuja during a farewell visit by the outgoing British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, to the headquarters of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), known as the Revenue House.
In a statement released by Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser to the NRS Chairman, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, the British envoy noted that the structural policies initiated under President Tinubu’s administration are vital to placing the country on a strong long-term footing and reviving economic momentum.
Montgomery acknowledged the hardship created by major policy pivots, noting that short-term challenges are often necessary steps toward sustainable recovery.
“To be in Nigeria over a three-year period where so much has happened for the good was awesome,” Montgomery said. “And I know that a lot of the economic reforms are tough, and they can cause short-term pain for ordinary people—you know, devaluation, inflation, and so forth.”
The diplomat noted key contributions made by the economic team, referencing the monetary adjustments led by Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Yemi Cardoso, initial efforts by Wale Edun, and tax reforms spearheaded by Dr. Adedeji and the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele.
Acknowledging the complexities of national governance, Montgomery praised the handling of fiscal structures.
“I know that budget and fiscal management are always particularly difficult because of the way the budget works in the National Assembly,” the diplomat stated. “So, I think what the finance ministers and you personally and your team have done to try and put Nigeria on a better footing and also just manage the money better have been fantastic.”
Montgomery revealed that Prime Minister Andy Burnham intends to touch on these key administrative milestones, including central banking policies, fiscal management, and revenue frameworks, during his upcoming call with President Tinubu.
“I am full of admiration for not just the technical, but also the politically savvy way in which your team has worked,” the outgoing diplomat added. “There are other things I can mention, whether it’s sending in a new team into the NNPC or attracting more investments and getting off that path and getting the investment rate up and credit ratings improved. I think what you and other key members in the economic management team have done is fundamental to the future of Nigeria.”
Looking ahead, Montgomery pointed out that future policy implementation must target higher annual GDP expansion to yield tangible benefits for the public.
“I’ve 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. “And how?, you know what’s the vision for that in the future? But I have no doubt that there are, with your help and other people’s help, there are ways of getting there.”
The diplomat described the NRS as “one of our best partners” and praised the operational peer-review collaboration between the NRS and His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
In his remarks, NRS Chairman Dr. Zacch Adedeji expressed appreciation to the outgoing envoy for his sustained personal involvement and technical support throughout his tenure in Nigeria.
“The way you’ve done this work actually changed the story, most especially your support, both personal as well as the technical assistance for our reforms and the expression of fear at the beginning,” Adedeji said. “The support is not lost on us. I would like to also thank you for your commitment and I’m very grateful. Although you are leaving, you can see some of the good results of the reforms.”
Adedeji added that sustainable progress relies on collaborative institutional ties rather than donor-recipient dynamics.
“I also like what you said that real sustainable development is not about aid giving, but about strategic partnership. I’m very sure that that kind of engagement will continue through your successor,” the NRS chairman stated.
