UK appoints Vicky Seymour as new Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria

UK Government names Vicky Seymour as new Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja after the departure of Gill Lever OBE, whose tenure in the Nigerian mission came to an end in June 2026.

The news was contained in a statement issued on Thursday. Vicky Seymour has already started her job in Abuja where she will help strengthen ties between the UK and Nigeria.

According to the statement, some of her duties will include facilitating cooperation between the two countries in important aspects such as economy, security, migration, development, international partnerships, and people-to-people contacts.

Before her appointment, 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 had also previously led the FCDO’s Trade Diplomacy Department and served as Development Director in Mozambique.

The statement further said her career includes senior leadership roles in several African countries, including Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as in Afghanistan.

She has also held positions focused on climate issues, security and economic development.

Prior to joining the UK civil service, Seymour worked in the not-for-profit sector, where she focused on migration-related issues.

Speaking on her appointment, Seymour said, “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.”