The United Kingdom has appointed Vicky Seymour as its new Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, as part of efforts to deepen the long-standing partnership between the UK and Nigeria.
Seymour succeeds Gill Lever OBE, who completed her diplomatic posting in Nigeria in June 2026. She has now assumed office in Abuja, where she will support the UK's engagement with Nigeria across key areas including economic growth, security, migration, development, international cooperation and people-to-people relations.
The appointment was announced in a statement signed by Onyinye Madu, British High Commission Communications Office.
Before her appointment, Seymour 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 led the FCDO's Trade Diplomacy Department and served as Development Director in Mozambique.
Her diplomatic career spans more than 20 years, with senior leadership roles across Africa, including Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as Afghanistan. She has also held positions focused on climate, security and economic development. Prior to joining the UK Civil Service, she worked in the not-for-profit sector with a focus on migration.
Speaking on her appointment, Seymour said she was pleased to take up the role in Nigeria and looked forward to strengthening bilateral ties.
"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.