The United Kingdom has appointed senior diplomat Vicky Seymour as its new Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, reinforcing its diplomatic engagement with Nigeria and commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between both countries.

Seymour, a career diplomat with the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), assumed the position after serving in several senior diplomatic and policy roles. Her appointment forms part of the British government's efforts to deepen cooperation with Nigeria in areas including trade, security, governance, education, climate action.

Speaking on her appointment, Seymour expressed her commitment to working closely with the Nigerian Government, private sector and civil society to advance shared priorities. She said she looks forward to strengthening the longstanding partnership between the United Kingdom and Nigeria while promoting mutual prosperity and development.

The British High Commission noted that the new Deputy High Commissioner would support ongoing initiatives aimed at expanding economic cooperation, improving regional security and enhancing people-to-people ties between both nations. The mission reaffirmed the UK's commitment to building on its strategic relationship with Nigeria.

The appointment comes as the UK continues to increase its diplomatic and commercial engagement across Africa, with Nigeria remaining one of its most significant partners on the continent because of its economic influence, regional leadership and longstanding historical ties.