UK High Commissioner Mourns Sardauna of Sokoto, Hails His Service to Nigeria-UK Relations
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery CMG, has expressed condolences to the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, and the family of Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, Sardaunan Sokoto, over his death.
Montgomery conveyed his condolence in a letter dated August 4, 2026, describing the late Sardaunan Sokoto as a distinguished public servant who dedicated his life to the service of Nigeria.
Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji died on July 30, 2026.
The High Commissioner, on behalf of the British Government, extended his condolences to the Sultan, the deceased’s family and the people of Sokoto State over the loss of the elder statesman.
“Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji dedicated his life to public service with exceptional integrity and distinction, leaving an enduring legacy through his service as a senior technocrat, Permanent Secretary, Federal Minister, and respected member of the Sokoto Sultanate,” Montgomery stated.
He also paid tribute to the late Sardauna’s diplomatic career, particularly his service as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom from 1992 to 1996.
According to Montgomery, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji contributed significantly to strengthening relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom during his tenure in London.
He said the late diplomat “helped strengthen the longstanding ties of friendship and cooperation between our two countries.”
Montgomery further recalled that Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji was appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) in 1989.
He described the honour as a reflection of the high regard in which the late Sardauna was held and his contribution to Nigeria-UK relations.
“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,” the High Commissioner said.
