The United Kingdom government has announced the appointment of Richard Montgomery as the new British High Commissioner to Nigeria. He takes over from Ms Catriona Laing, who recently concluded her four-year tenure as High Commissioner.
As a top diplomat, Dr Montgomery presented his credentials to President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday at the State House in Abuja. This is not his first experience in Nigeria, as he previously held positions in the Department of International Development (DFID), serving as Country Director in Nigeria from 2009 to 2013.
With his vast experience in international diplomacy, the new commissioner is tasked with the responsibility of strengthening the partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, and building a more prosperous Nigeria. His accomplishments include working in Nigeria, Zambia, Bangladesh, and India, and serving as the UK Executive Director at the World Bank Group Board from 2018 to 2022.
Dr Montgomery has worked in various DFID capacities, including Director for Asia, Caribbean & Overseas Territories, Country Director for Pakistan, and Deputy Director for Corporate Human Resources and Deputy Head of DFID’s Top Management Group.
The envoy expressed his excitement to be back in Africa’s most populous nation, stating that he looks forward to working with the people of Nigeria in achieving their developmental goals.
Richard Montgomery is married to Naheed and together they have two children.
