The United Kingdom has appointed Vicky Seymour as its new Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, as both countries seek to further strengthen their longstanding diplomatic partnership.
Seymour succeeds Mrs Gill Lever OBE, who completed her posting in June 2026. She has assumed office and will focus on advancing cooperation between the UK and Nigeria in areas including economic development, security, migration, international cooperation and people-to-people relations.
The appointment was announced in a statement by the British High Commission in Abuja.
According to the UK Government, Seymour brings more than 20 years of experience in diplomacy, international development and public service to the position.
Before her latest appointment, she served as Head of the East Africa Department at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), a role she held from 2023.
She previously headed the FCDO’s Trade Diplomacy Department and served as Development Director in Mozambique. Her career has also included senior assignments in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Afghanistan, with experience covering climate change, security and economic development.
READ ALSO: Nigeria, US and UK Collaborate to Strengthen International Parliamentary Relations
Before joining the UK civil service, Seymour worked in the non-profit sector, where she focused on migration-related issues.
Speaking on her appointment, Seymour said she was pleased to take up the new role and looked forward to deepening relations between the two countries.
“I am delighted to be taking up the role of Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja. I look forward to getting to know this extraordinary country, meeting people from across Nigeria’s diverse communities, and building on the strong partnership that already exists between our two countries.”
She added, “Together, I hope we can continue creating opportunities for greater collaboration and links between our people in the years ahead.”
The appointment comes as the UK and Nigeria continue to expand cooperation in trade, investment, security, education, development, climate action and migration.
Seymour is expected to engage with Nigerian government officials, businesses, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to promote closer diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries.
