Nigeria Reaps Big From Brexit, Says UK Envoy
By ANITA KNIGHT
BRITISH High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, has described Nigeria as one of the biggest beneficiaries of Britain’s exit from the European Union (Brexit), citing gains in migration, education, and trade opportunities.
During an interview, Montgomery said the post-Brexit visa regime had significantly increased opportunities for Nigerians to live, work, and study in the UK. According to him, the Nigerian diaspora in the UK has grown from about 300,000 people in 2021 to 550,000 in 2025.
“I’d say Nigeria has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of Brexit in terms of our visa regime, which has allowed more Nigerians to come and live and work and study in the UK,” he noted.
The envoy further explained that Brexit gave the UK greater independence to strike new trade deals outside the EU, fostering stronger bilateral ties with countries such as Nigeria. He added that while Brexit had both positive and negative effects, the economic realignment had opened doors to major investments, particularly from the United States.
Montgomery emphasised that these opportunities could strengthen Nigeria-UK trade and investment partnerships, with mutual economic benefits on the horizon.
