The United Kingdom has appointed Dr. Richard Montgomery as the new British High Commissioner to Nigeria. On Thursday, Dr. Montgomery presented his credentials to President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House in Abuja, marking the official beginning of his tenure. He takes over from Ms. Catriona Laing, who recently concluded her four-year term as High Commissioner in Abuja.
Dr. Montgomery brings a wealth of experience as a seasoned diplomat, having worked in various parts of the world, including a previous assignment in Nigeria. Prior to assuming his role as the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Montgomery served as the UK Executive Director at the World Bank Group Board in Washington DC, USA, from 2018 to 2022.
Throughout his career, he has held several senior positions in the Department of International Development (DFID). Notable roles include Director for Asia, Caribbean & Overseas Territories Division, Country Director for Pakistan, and, prior to that, Country Director in Nigeria from 2009 to 2013. Dr. Montgomery’s expertise extends to corporate human resources, as he served as Deputy Director for Corporate Human Resources and Deputy Head of the Department for International Development’s Top Management Group.
Today, I presented my credentials to H.E. President @MBuhari, as the British High Commissioner to Nigeria.
I look forward to strengthening and deepening the 🇳🇬🇬🇧 partnership and working together with all our partners for the good of both our countries.@NigeriaGov @NGRPresident pic.twitter.com/JtKsZ1H3eY
— Richard Montgomery (@RMontgomeryUK) May 18, 2023Early in his career, Dr. Montgomery held postings in British High Commissions in Zambia, Bangladesh, and India, allowing him to gain valuable insights into different geopolitical contexts. He is married to Naheed, and together they have two children. Dr. Montgomery and his wife are excited about their return to Nigeria, eager to contribute to the nation’s progress.
Expressing his enthusiasm upon assuming the position, Dr. Montgomery stated, “It’s great to be back in Nigeria. I look forward to working with the people of this great country, including those in government, the private sector, and civil society, to do all I can to help build a more prosperous Nigeria and strengthen the partnership between our countries.”
The appointment of Dr. Richard Montgomery as the British High Commissioner to Nigeria reaffirms the commitment of the United Kingdom to nurturing a strong and collaborative relationship with Nigeria. His extensive experience in international development and diplomacy equips him with the necessary tools to navigate the complexities and opportunities of the bilateral partnership.
As Dr. Montgomery assumes his new role, both the United Kingdom and Nigeria can look forward to further cooperation and collaboration in areas of mutual interest, including trade, security, development, and cultural exchange. The British High Commission in Nigeria remains steadfast in its dedication to supporting Nigeria’s journey towards greater prosperity and stability.
