The United Kingdom has appointed Ms Vicky Seymour as the new Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, marking a new chapter in the UK’s diplomatic engagement with Nigeria.
Seymour succeeds Mrs Gill Lever Obe, who completed her posting in June 2026.
She has now assumed office and will work to strengthen the long-standing partnership between the United Kingdom and Nigeria in areas including economic growth, security, migration, development, international cooperation and people-to-people relations.
This was disclosed in a statement by the British High Commission in Abuja.
According to the UK Government, “Seymour is bringing more than two decades of experience in diplomacy, international development and public service to her new role.”
The statement also noted that before her appointment, she served as Head of the East Africa Department at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), a position she held since 2023.
She previously led the FCDO’s Trade Diplomacy Department and served as Development Director in Mozambique. Her career has also included senior leadership assignments in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Afghanistan, with expertise spanning climate, security and economic development.
Before joining the UK civil service, she worked in the non-profit sector focusing on migration.
Speaking on her appointment, Seymour expressed optimism about advancing relations 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,” she said.
Seymour said; “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 United Kingdom and Nigeria continue to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, security, education, development, climate action and migration, reflecting the broad scope of the bilateral relationship.
Seymour is expected to work closely with Nigerian government officials, the private sector, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to further strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between both countries.
