In a recent interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, Richard Montgomery, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, expressed the United Kingdom’s eagerness to enhance collaboration with Nigeria. Montgomery stated that the UK government has identified six areas where both countries could strengthen cooperation and explore new opportunities for mutual benefits. The British High Commissioner emphasized that the appointment of ministers by President Bola Tinubu is awaited before taking the necessary steps towards strengthening collaboration.
Montgomery acknowledged the longstanding ties between the UK and Nigeria, which are rooted in history and a strong foundation for building further relations. He expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future direction and commended Tinubu’s recent economic decisions, stating that they align with the UK’s interest in bilateral ties with Nigeria.
Highlighting the areas of focus for collaboration, Montgomery mentioned six key aspects. Firstly, he emphasized the importance of long-standing development cooperation and the need for the UK to understand the priorities of the new administration. Secondly, he stressed the desire to enhance economic dialogue and establish stronger trade partnerships, expressing his intention to discuss this with the new Minister of Trade and Industry. The third area identified was security and defense, with an aim to evolve and strengthen the existing relationship in this regard. Montgomery also expressed the UK’s interest in establishing a systematic dialogue on foreign policy, given Nigeria’s valuable role in regional and continental issues.
Addressing concerns about the UK government’s new policy on restricting foreign student visas, Montgomery clarified that the policy aims to manage the pressure on social services for scholars and is not intended to discourage Nigerian students from studying in the UK. He urged Nigerians to understand the new visa regime in the context of broader positive implications for Nigeria and the UK.
The British High Commissioner highlighted the significant increase in the number of Nigerian students studying in the UK, indicating a five-fold rise over the past three years. Montgomery expressed delight that UK universities continue to attract the best and brightest from Nigeria. He noted that in 2022, the UK granted three million new visas of various types, with over 10% of those visas being issued to Nigerian citizens. Montgomery emphasized the strong people-to-people links between the UK and Nigeria and the need to manage the demands on housing and social services for students.
He clarified that the policy change primarily affects non-research degree students coming to the UK for undergraduate or one-year master’s programs and bringing their dependents along. The rise in the number of dependents accompanying students prompted the adjustment in policy to manage service demands in university towns and elsewhere. Montgomery highlighted the high approval rate of 97% for Nigerian visa applications and encouraged Nigerians to consider the benefits of studying in the UK, including international exposure and networks.
As a reminder, the UK Home Office announced in May that from January 2024, undergraduate and master’s students would no longer be allowed to bring their dependents to the UK, excluding students in research programs.
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