UK appoints Seymour as deputy high commissioner to Nigeria

The United Kingdom has appointed Vicky Seymour as its new Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with Africa’s largest economy across trade, security, migration, development and people-to-people relations.

Seymour, who has assumed duty in Abuja, succeeds Gill Lever OBE, whose diplomatic posting in Nigeria ended in June 2026.

The appointment was announced by the British High Commission in Abuja on Thursday.

Before taking up her new role, Seymour served as Head of the East Africa Department at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), a position she held since 2023.

She also previously headed the FCDO’s Trade Diplomacy Department and served as Development Director in Mozambique.

With more than 20 years of experience in diplomacy, international development and public service, Seymour has held senior leadership positions across Africa, including postings in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique, as well as Afghanistan. Her experience spans climate, security and economic development, while her earlier career included work in the non-profit sector focusing on migration.

Speaking on her appointment, Seymour expressed enthusiasm about strengthening the longstanding relationship between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.

“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.

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

The British High Commission said Seymour will play a key role in advancing the UK’s engagement with Nigeria in areas including economic growth, security, migration, international collaboration and development cooperation, while promoting stronger ties between the people of both countries.