By: Odeh Favour Adiya
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.
The appointment was officially announced by the British High Commission in Abuja on Thursday. Seymour, who has already assumed duty in Abuja, succeeds Gill Lever OBE, whose diplomatic posting in Nigeria concluded in June 2026.
Bringing over 20 years of experience in diplomacy, international development, and public service, Seymour boasts an extensive background in diplomatic affairs. Prior to taking up her new role in Nigeria, she served as Head of the East Africa Department at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) from 2023. She also previously headed the FCDO’s Trade Diplomacy Department and served as Development Director in Mozambique.
Throughout her career, Seymour has held various senior leadership positions across Africa, including diplomatic postings in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Mozambique, as well as Afghanistan. Her expertise spans climate, security, and economic development, while her early career included dedicated work in the non-profit sector focused on migration.
Speaking on her new appointment, Seymour expressed enthusiasm about driving progress and deepening 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,” she said.
“Together, I hope we can continue creating opportunities for greater collaboration and links between our people in the years ahead,” she added.
The British High Commission highlighted that Seymour will play a pivotal role in advancing the UK’s strategic engagement with Nigeria, with a clear focus on economic growth, security, migration, international collaboration, development cooperation, and fostering stronger ties between the citizens of both nations.
