The United Kingdom Government has appointed Ms Vicky Seymour as its new Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, succeeding Mrs Gill Lever, OBE, who completed her diplomatic posting to Nigeria in June 2026.

Ms Seymour has now assumed office in Abuja, where she will play a key role in advancing and strengthening the UK’s strategic partnership with Nigeria across priority areas including economic growth, security, migration, development, international cooperation and people-to-people ties.

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The appointment brings to Nigeria a seasoned diplomat with more than 20 years of experience spanning diplomacy, international development and public service.

Before her deployment to Nigeria, Ms Seymour served as Head of the East Africa Department at the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), a position she held from 2023. She previously led the FCDO’s Trade Diplomacy Department and also served as Development Director in Mozambique.

Her extensive diplomatic career has included senior leadership assignments across Africa, notably in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as in Afghanistan. She has also held positions focused on climate policy, security and economic development.

Prior to joining the UK civil service, Ms Seymour worked in the not-for-profit sector, where her work centred on migration issues.

Speaking on her appointment, Ms Seymour expressed enthusiasm about beginning her assignment in Nigeria and deepening the long-standing relationship between both countries.

“I am delighted to be taking up the role of Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja,” she said.

“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.

“Together, I hope we can continue creating opportunities for greater collaboration and links between our people in the years ahead.”

Her appointment comes as the UK and Nigeria continue to deepen cooperation in areas ranging from trade and investment to security, migration, development and regional stability. The Deputy High Commissioner will work alongside the British High Commission in Abuja to support these shared priorities and further strengthen bilateral relations.