By Janefrances Chibuzor
The United Kingdom has appointed Ms Vicky Seymour as its new Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, with the diplomat expected to support efforts to strengthen the UK-Nigeria partnership across economic growth, security, migration, development and international cooperation.
Seymour has assumed the role following the completion of Mrs Gill Lever OBE’s posting in June 2026.
In her new position, Seymour will also focus on strengthening the people-to-people links between the UK and Nigeria, as the two countries continue to deepen cooperation across a range of shared interests.
The new Deputy High Commissioner brings more than two decades of experience in diplomacy, international development and government service.
Before her appointment to Abuja, Seymour served as Head of the East Africa Department at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & 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 career has included senior leadership assignments in several countries, including Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Afghanistan. She has also worked on issues covering climate, security and economic development.
Before joining the civil service, Seymour worked in the not-for-profit sector, focusing on migration.
Speaking on her appointment, Seymour said she was delighted to take up the role and looked forward to engaging with people across Nigeria’s diverse communities.
“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.
She added that she hoped to contribute to creating greater opportunities for collaboration and strengthening links between the people of the UK and Nigeria.
