By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The United Kingdom has deployed a career diplomat who has served in some of the world’s most volatile regions, including Afghanistan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as its new Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, tasked with deepening ties between London and Abuja.
Ms Vicky Seymour was appointed to the role by the UK Government, succeeding Mrs Gill Lever OBE, who completed her posting in June 2026.
A statement announcing the appointment on Thursday, 6 August, 2026 said Seymour had assumed duties in Abuja and would support efforts to strengthen the longstanding UK-Nigeria partnership across economic growth, security, migration, development, international cooperation and people-to-people relations.
According to the statement, Seymour most recently served as Head of the East Africa Department at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, a position she held from 2023.
She had previously led the FCDO’s Trade Diplomacy Department and served as Development Director in Mozambique, alongside senior leadership roles in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Afghanistan, where she also held positions focused on climate issues, security and economic development.
Before joining the UK civil service, Seymour worked in the not-for-profit sector focusing on migration-related issues, experience the statement said would shape her approach to Nigeria’s diverse development priorities.
Speaking on her appointment, Seymour said she was delighted to be taking up the role.
“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,” she said.
She added that she hoped the partnership would continue creating opportunities for greater collaboration and links between the peoples of both countries in the years ahead.
