The United Kingdom has appointed Vicky Seymour as its new Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, succeeding Gill Lever, whose diplomatic posting ended in June 2026.

The appointment was announced in a statement issued on Friday by the British High Commission in Abuja.

According to the mission, Seymour will play a key role in strengthening the UK’s partnership with Nigeria across priority areas including economic growth, security, migration, development, international cooperation and people-to-people ties.

The High Commission said Seymour brings more than 20 years of experience in diplomacy, international development and public service.

Before her appointment, she served as Head of 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 leadership roles in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Afghanistan, alongside assignments focused on climate, security and economic development. Before joining the UK civil service, she worked in the not-for-profit sector with a focus on migration.

Speaking on her appointment, Seymour expressed enthusiasm about taking up the new role and strengthening relations 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 stronger links between our people in the years ahead,” she said.