Mr. Richard Montgomery, the British High Commissioner, on behalf of the British government, has formally addressed Senator Ned Nwoko’s call for reparations and apologies pertaining to Britain’s historical involvement in slavery and exploitation of African resources.
Expressing commitment to acknowledging and addressing the shared history with honesty and openness, Mr. Montgomery’s response emphasized the UK government’s consideration of the issues raised by Senator Nwoko. This was contained in a letter dated 11 December, 2023.
The letter also acknowledged Britain’s role in the abhorrent slave trade while also noting the country’s leadership in its abolition. The response also outlined the UK’s commitment to strengthening bilateral partnerships with Nigeria across various domains such as security, defense, climate change, trade, and investment. It also emphasized the UK’s significant official development assistance to Nigeria and the existing people-to-people links between the two nations.
“I have been asked to reply on behalf of the UK Government, and write in response to your letter of 19 September 2023 following our meeting at the British High Commission in Abuja on the same day. In these discussions you raised important issues pertaining to Britain’s ’s colonial past in Nigeria and around the world. I wish to assure you that these issues are given due consideration by both the British High Commission in Abuja and by His Majesty’s Government in the UK. As High Commissioner to Nigena I am committed to addressing our shared history with honesty and openness, honouring the strength and breadth of our partnership.
“Your letter and our conversation highlighted the horrors of slavery, which involved abhorrent and unjustifiable acts of violence. We acknowledge the role Britain played centuries ago in enabling the horrific slave trade, including in what became Nigeria, whilst also noting that Britain led the world in ending it. Since that time, through Nigeria’s colonial period and via the peaceful transition to national independence in 1960, close ties between the UK and Nigeria have enabled mutual understanding and a shared respect for our partnership.
“This does not change the past, and I welcome your engagement across challenging issues in our shared history. On the restitution of artefacts, an issue raised in your letter, UK museums operate independently of the Government. Decisions relating to the care and management of UK collections are addressed by museum trustees, with claims for restitution addressable to relevant museums. Jesus College, Cambridge, Aberdeen University Museum, and the Homiman Museum are among the UK museums to have recently transferred ownership of Benin Bronzes to the Nigerian National Commission for Museums and Monuments.
“Your letter and our September meeting also addressed reparations by former colonial powers. As I put to you then, the UK Government believes that the most effective way to respond to the wrongs of the past is to ensure that current and future generations learn lessons from history, and that we continue to work together to tackle today’s challenges. This speaks to the optimism and potential of our relationship going forward, one of close collaboration and mutual respect as Nigeria develops its economy and exerts positive influence on the international stage, collaborating with the UK and other partners.
“In recognition of this, the UK is seeking to broaden and strengthen our bilateral partnerships with Nigeria across security, defence, climate change, and trade and investment, including work towards an Enhanced Trade and investment Partnership with Nigeria to enable commercial and trading access, to mutual benefit. The UK has also been and remains one of the largest providers of official development assistance both globally and in Nigeria. This stands alongside our renowned diaspora and people-to-people links. I hope you will join me in looking ahead with excitement to the strengthening of our bilateral relationship.
“I remain committed to engaging on these issues, and convey my thanks for our last meeting.” The letter read.
Senator Ned Nwoko, has however, made known his intentions of raising the issues of reparations in the senate floor for appropriate court processes.
See below Senator Ned Nwoko’s letter to the British Prime minister:
