From Our Correspondent
The United Kingdom (UK) has renewed its partnership with the government of Nigeria, its High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, said.
Montgomery announced this at the opening of a three-day 2023 Cabinet Retreat for ministers, presidential aides and top government functionaries, on Wednesday, in Abuja.
President Bola Tinubu declared the retreat open.
TheNewsZenith reports that the theme of the retreat is “Delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda”.
Montgomery applauded the economic reforms of Tinubu’s administration, which he described as “big and bold”.
He, however, said Nigeria faces big security, economic and social challenges.
“In a global context, the big challenges are a difficult global economy and shifting geopolitical and foreign policy pressures.
“And as I said in public before, I applaud the big and bold economic reforms that you are taking forward.
“I admire your leadership of ECOWAS, your strong voice on democracy and your G20 international engagement, all of which have thrust Nigeria back onto the international stage.
“I also want Mr President to use my message to confirm that the UK has renewed its partnership with Nigeria.”
According to the envoy, Nigeria matters to the UK. This is because both countries share history, commitment to democratic politics, interests in defence and security, trade and investment.
He noted that the Nigerian diaspora creative industries and the sports stars were increasingly central to the UK national culture and life.
“I’m here because the UK has had an excellent partnership with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).”
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Montgomery said the eight priorities under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu provided a clarity of purpose.
“Your policy advisory committees have identified plans, milestones and performance indicators that will be discussed at this retreat.
“This cabinet retreat can start to use the SGS tracking system for good effect, over the coming years.
“This is necessary to drive delivery, learn from challenges and move Nigeria forward.
“I’m optimistic that your government, with ambition and clear plans, can remove the constraints on this entrepreneurial spirit.
“This will give a helping hand to those people that need it and help move Nigeria forward,” the Envoy said.
He also recognised Nigeria as a growing regional and global powerhouse, likely to become the world’s third-largest country by 2050.
Montgomery applauded the government’s plans to stabilise the economy and put it on a higher growth path.
“The UK stands ready to support in the spirit of mutual respect. We are ready to stand on our partnerships across a range of areas,” he said.
Earlier, the SGF, George Akume explained that the retreat was designed to prepare and sensitise ministers and other participants to the workings and processes of government.
“This is with a view to ensuring ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) deliver on the presidential priorities of the Renewed Hope Agenda for 2023 to 2017.
“It will also provide opportunities to deepen the understanding of participants on best practices in conducting government business.
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