UK appoints Vicky Seymour as deputy high commissioner in Abuja

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By Favour Ulebor

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The United Kingdom Government has appointed Ms Vicky Seymour as the new Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, succeeding Mrs Gill Lever OBE, who completed her posting in June 2026.

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The appointment was announced in a statement on Thursday, which noted that Seymour has assumed her duties in Abuja and will support efforts to strengthen the longstanding partnership between the UK and Nigeria across areas including economic growth, security, migration, development, international cooperation and people-to-people relations.

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According to the statement, Seymour brings more than 20 years of experience in diplomacy, international development and government service.

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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.

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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.

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

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

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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.”

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