UK appoints Vicky Seymour as deputy high commissioner to Nigeria

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

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

According to the statement, Seymour has officially assumed office and will support and strengthen the United Kingdom’s partnership with Nigeria across key areas, including economic growth, security, migration, development, international collaboration and people-to-people ties.

The High Commission said her appointment reflects the UK’s continued commitment to deepening its long-standing relationship with Nigeria, one of its most strategic partners in Africa.

Vicky Seymour brings over two decades of experience

The British High Commission said Seymour brings more than 20 years of experience in diplomacy, international development and government service.

Most recently, she served as Head of the East Africa Department at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), a position she held from 2023.

Before that, she led the FCDO’s Trade Diplomacy Department, where she was responsible for advancing the UK’s trade diplomacy agenda and supporting international partnerships.

She also served as Development Director in Mozambique, overseeing programmes focused on sustainable development and economic growth.

According to the statement, Seymour’s extensive experience in diplomacy and development makes her well suited to further strengthen bilateral relations between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.

Career spans Africa, Afghanistan

The High Commission stated that Seymour has held senior leadership positions across several countries in Africa, including Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique.

She also served in Afghanistan, where she worked on a range of issues involving governance, development and security.

Her professional experience covers climate policy, economic development, international security and diplomatic engagement.

Before joining the UK civil service, Seymour worked in the not-for-profit sector, focusing primarily on migration-related issues.

The High Commission noted that her broad experience across multiple sectors would support the UK’s efforts to expand cooperation with Nigeria in areas of shared interest.

Seymour expresses excitement over appointment

Reacting to her appointment, Seymour expressed delight at assuming her new role in Abuja and said she was eager to strengthen existing ties between both 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.

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

UK pledges stronger partnership with Nigeria

The appointment comes as the United Kingdom continues to deepen cooperation with Nigeria in key sectors, including trade, investment, security, education, migration and international development.

Nigeria remains one of the UK’s most important partners in Africa, with both countries maintaining strong diplomatic, economic and cultural ties.

The British High Commission said Seymour will play a central role in supporting and strengthening collaboration between both countries, while promoting shared prosperity and expanding opportunities for closer engagement between their governments and citizens.