The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has announced the appointment of Peter Vowles as the new British High Commissioner to Nigeria. Mr Vowles will replace Harriet Thompson OBE, who has been serving in the role since 2019. The appointment is expected to strengthen UK-Nigeria relations, which have been growing in recent years.
The UK and Nigeria have a long-standing partnership, with strong ties in areas such as trade, education, and security. The FCDO stated that Mr Vowles has a wealth of experience in international relations and development, having previously served as the UK's Ambassador to Ghana and as a diplomat in various roles in Africa.
Labour's Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, David Lammy MP, welcomed the appointment, saying: 'I welcome Peter Vowles' appointment as the new British High Commissioner to Nigeria. The UK and Nigeria have a strong relationship and I look forward to seeing how Mr Vowles will build on this in the coming years.'
Mr Vowles is expected to take up his new role in the coming months and will be responsible for promoting British interests in Nigeria and strengthening the UK-Nigeria partnership.