UK names Vicky Seymour deputy high commissioner to Nigeria

The United Kingdom has appointed seasoned diplomat Vicky Seymour as its new Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, replacing Gill Lever OBE, who concluded her tour of duty in June 2026.

The appointment was announced in a statement on Thursday, confirming that Seymour has assumed office and will help deepen UK-Nigeria relations across key areas, including trade, economic development, security, migration, international cooperation and people-to-people ties.

Seymour joins the mission with more than two decades of experience in diplomacy, international development and public service.

Before taking up her new role, she served as Head of the East Africa Department at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), a position she held from 2023. She previously headed the FCDO’s Trade Diplomacy Department and served as Development Director in Mozambique.

Her diplomatic career has also included senior assignments in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Afghanistan, where she worked on issues relating to economic development, security and climate policy.

Prior to joining the UK civil service, Seymour worked in the non-profit sector, focusing on migration-related programmes.

Speaking on her appointment, Seymour expressed enthusiasm about serving in 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.

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