UK Appoints Vicky Seymour As New Deputy High Commissioner To Nigeria

The United Kingdom has named Vicky Seymour as its new Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, a move aimed at deepening diplomatic and strategic relations between both countries.

The British High Commission in Abuja announced the appointment on Thursday, confirming that Seymour has assumed office, replacing Gill Lever OBE, whose tenure in Nigeria ended in June 2026.

Seymour brings more than two decades of experience in diplomacy, international development and public service to her new role. Prior to her posting in Nigeria, she served as Head of the East Africa Department at the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), a position she held from 2023.

Her previous assignments also include leading the FCDO’s Trade Diplomacy Department and serving as Development Director in Mozambique. Throughout her diplomatic career, she has held senior roles across several African countries, including Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique, in addition to serving in Afghanistan.

Her expertise spans economic development, climate issues, security and international cooperation. Before joining the diplomatic service, Seymour worked in the non-profit sector, focusing on migration-related initiatives.

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Speaking on her appointment, Seymour said she was honoured to take up the position and looked forward to strengthening the longstanding relationship between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.

She described Nigeria as an extraordinary country and expressed her desire to engage with people from across its diverse communities while expanding opportunities for collaboration between both nations.

According to the British High Commission, Seymour will help drive the UK’s engagement with Nigeria in key areas, including trade, economic growth, security, migration, development cooperation and broader international partnerships. She is also expected to promote stronger people-to-people ties as both countries seek to expand their longstanding bilateral relationship.