The United Kingdom said yesterday that Nigeria was fast becoming a regional and global powerhouse with the various reforms and multi-sector reorganisations initiated by the Tinubu government since he assumed office in May.

This was said by the British High Commissioner in Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, in a goodwill message at the opening of a three-day retreat organised for ministers, presidential aides, permanent secretaries, and top government officials at State House, Abuja. The theme of the retreat was, “Delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

He assured Nigeria of the UK’s continued support in the spirit of mutual respect and partnership and observed that Nigeria, at the moment, was faced with daunting economic, security and social challenges, but applauded Tinubu’s reform initiatives aimed at addressing the challenges.

Montgomery affirmed his country’s renewed partnership with Nigeria, pointed out that Nigeria was projected to become the third largest country in the world by 2050.

He said, “Mr. President, I’d like to recognise Nigeria as a growing regional and global powerhouse. You are likely to become the third largest country in the world by 2050. I applaud your plans to stabilise the economy and put it on a higher growth path to prosperity, on which so much else depends.

“The UK stands ready to support in the spirit of mutual respect. The UK stands ready to stand up on our partnerships across a range of areas and I wish you and your government all best wishes and goodwill in your work ahead.

“Nigeria faces big security, economic and social challenges. In a global context, the big challenges are difficult global economy, 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.”

The UK High Commissioner also told Tinubu, “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 wanted, Mr. President, to use my goodwill message to confirm the UK’s renewed partnership with Nigeria and with your cabinet and with the Nigerian people. Nigeria really matters to the UK. We share history, we share a commitment to democratic politics, we share interests in defence and security, and trade and investment, which has strong people-to-people needs.”

The high commissioner also applauded Tinubu’s initiatives to enhance economic stability and steer the country towards a more prosperous growth trajectory. He added that the eight priorities of the present administration had provided clarity of purpose.

Montgomery stated, “Your administration inherited big problems, it is a difficult time, people are hurting, expectations are high, better deliveries are desperately needed and with global context.

“Your eight priorities under your Renewed Hope Agenda, you provide clarity of purpose, your policy advisory committee has identified plans, performance indicators.”

In his own goodwill message, World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Shubham Chaudhuri, disclosed that the bank had committed over $11 billion in the past three years for government at both the federal and the sub-national levels.

Chaudhuri assured Tinubu of the bank’s support in his administration’s incredibly important and challenging task of lifting millions of Nigerians out of poverty and making lives better for everyone. He noted that the country was at a critical juncture, and faced the choice to either continue muddling through business as usual, with the risk of things falling apart, or having the courage to chart a new course, to take bold steps to finally see Nigeria rise to its true potential.