The United Kingdom has appointed seasoned diplomat, Vicky Seymour, as its new Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, to support efforts toward deepening bilateral relations with Nigeria across trade, security, development and people-to-people exchanges.
Seymour succeeds Gill Lever OBE, whose diplomatic posting ended in June 2026.
She has formally assumed office in Abuja and will play a key role in advancing the UK’s strategic partnership with Nigeria, covering economic growth, migration, security cooperation, international development and multilateral engagement.
Announcing the appointment in a statement on Wednesday, the UK Government said Seymour brings more than two decades of experience in diplomacy, international development and public service, having served in several senior leadership positions across Africa and other regions.
Before her appointment, Seymour headed 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 served as Development Director in Mozambique.
Her diplomatic career also includes senior assignments in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Afghanistan, where she worked on issues relating to climate change, security and economic development.
Before joining the UK civil service, she worked in the not-for-profit sector with a particular focus on migration.
Speaking on her appointment, Seymour expressed enthusiasm about her new role and pledged to build on the long-standing relationship 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.
