The United Kingdom has appointed seasoned diplomat Vicky Seymour as its new Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, succeeding Gill Lever OBE, whose diplomatic posting concluded in June 2026.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the UK Government announced that Seymour has officially assumed office in Abuja, where she will play a pivotal role in advancing the UK’s strategic partnership with Nigeria. Her responsibilities will span key areas including economic growth, security, migration, sustainable development, international cooperation, and strengthening people-to-people ties.
Seymour brings more than 20 years of experience in diplomacy, international development, and public service. Prior to her appointment, she served as Head of the East Africa Department at the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), a position she held from 2023.
Her extensive career also includes leading the FCDO’s Trade Diplomacy Department and serving as Development Director in Mozambique. She has held senior leadership positions across several African countries, including Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as in Afghanistan, where she worked on issues relating to governance, security, climate resilience, and economic development.
Before joining the UK Civil Service, Seymour worked in the non-profit sector, focusing on migration and international development.
Her appointment comes as the United Kingdom seeks to deepen its long-standing relationship with Nigeria across trade, investment, security cooperation, and broader diplomatic engagement.
