The former British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, has mourned the death of former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Sardaunan Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, praising his distinguished diplomatic career and contributions to strengthening relations between Nigeria and Britain.

Montgomery, in a condolence letter dated August 4, 2026, addressed to the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, described the late elder statesman as a “distinguished statesman” who dedicated his life to public service with “exceptional integrity and distinction.”

Alhaji, who died on July 30 at an Abuja hospital at the age of 94, served as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the UK between 1992 and 1996.

The British envoy said Alhaji’s tenure as Nigeria’s representative in London helped strengthen the “longstanding ties of friendship and cooperation” between the two countries.

“On behalf of His Majesty’s Government, I pay tribute to his distinguished diplomatic service, particularly as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom between 1992 and 1996, when he helped strengthen the longstanding ties of friendship and cooperation between our two countries,” Montgomery said.

He added that Alhaji’s appointment in 1989 as a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) reflected the high regard in which he was held and recognised his contribution to advancing UK-Nigeria relations.

Montgomery extended his condolences to the Sultan, the deceased’s family and the people of Sokoto State, saying the late diplomat left “an enduring legacy” through his service as a senior technocrat, permanent secretary, federal minister and respected member of the Sokoto Sultanate.

“At this time of great loss, I join family, friends, colleagues, and Nigerians across the country in mourning a dedicated public servant and elder statesman,” he said, praying that Almighty Allah would grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus and give strength and comfort to those mourning his death.

Alhaji’s diplomatic career was built on decades of experience in Nigeria’s civil service and economic management. (Daily Trust)