By Ayodele Quadri, Lagos Times Correspondent
ABUJA, NIGERIA — The United Kingdom Government has appointed Ms. Vicky Seymour as the new UK Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja.
She succeeds Mrs. Gill Lever OBE, who completed her diplomatic posting in June 2026.
In an official statement released on Thursday, August 6, 2026, the British High Commission confirmed that Seymour has assumed her duties in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. In her new role, she will drive UK-Nigeria partnership initiatives spanning economic growth, security cooperation, trade, migration management, and development.
Key Operational Highlights
-
Diplomatic Succession: Vicky Seymour takes over from Gill Lever OBE, who concluded her service as Deputy High Commissioner in June 2026.
-
Decades of Service: Seymour brings over 20 years of experience across diplomacy, international development, civil service, and non-profit organizations.
-
Previous Key Roles: Prior to her posting in Abuja, she served as Head of the East Africa Department at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) from 2023, led the FCDO’s Trade Diplomacy Department, and served as Development Director in Mozambique.
-
Regional & International Expertise: Her career includes senior diplomatic leadership postings in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Afghanistan, focusing on economic growth, stability, security, and climate issues.
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ UK DIPLOMATIC APPOINTMENT MATRIX (ABUJA) │
├────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ • Appointee : Ms. Vicky Seymour │
│ │
│ • New Designation : UK Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria (Abuja) │
│ │
│ • Predecessor : Mrs. Gill Lever OBE (Term ended June 2026) │
│ │
│ • Previous Role : Head, East Africa Dept (UK FCDO, 2023–2026) │
│ │
│ • Core Focus Areas : Trade, Economic Development, Security, Migration, │
│ Governance, and International Cooperation │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘“I Look Forward to Getting to Know This Extraordinary Country”
Commenting on her official resumption of duties in Abuja, UK Deputy High Commissioner Vicky Seymour stated:
“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.” — Vicky Seymour, UK Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria
