The United Kingdom and the World Trade Organisation (WTO) have lauded President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, describing them as bold measures to revive Nigeria’s economy and boost global trade relations.
UK High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, who visited First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu at the State House in Abuja yesterday alongside Deputy High Commissioner Gill Lever, said the reforms, though challenging, were necessary to reposition the economy.
“These reforms and initiatives have already led to stronger trade partnerships between our two countries,” Montgomery stated, noting that the UK was also monitoring Nigeria’s constitutional amendment process, particularly proposals for special seats for women in the National Assembly.
He further commended the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) for delivering empowerment in education, health, and humanitarian services. “The RHI is creating real opportunities across critical sectors,” he said.
The UK’s commendation followed that of WTO Director-General, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who during her recent visit to the President, hailed the reforms as pivotal for economic stability. However, she stressed the need for accelerated growth measures and urgent safety nets to cushion the reform-induced cost-of-living crisis.
“Safety nets are essential to ease the immediate pains of the reforms, for which President Tinubu deserves credit,” Okonjo-Iweala said.
In her remarks, the First Lady pledged that the government and RHI would continue to focus on women’s empowerment, particularly in the informal sector.
“I believe we can help each other if we really show concern. RHI focuses on women’s empowerment in the informal sector. These are the ones whose lives we are touching directly,” she said.
On women’s political participation, Senator Tinubu acknowledged the dwindling number of female lawmakers in the National Assembly and vowed to support initiatives aimed at reversing the trend. “We have to know the right people to represent us, who can do the work, and that is what we have to enlighten our women about,” she added.
