The United Kingdom Government has announced the appointment of Mr Peter Vowles as the next British High Commissioner to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, succeeding Mr Richard Montgomery. The new envoy is expected to take up his post in Abuja in September 2026.
Mr Montgomery, who was appointed to the post in March 2023, will remain in post until that time, a statement on Tuesday said.
Mr Vowles brings extensive diplomatic and development experience to the role, having served as His Majesty’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe from 2023 to 2026 and previously as Ambassador to Myanmar from 2021 to 2022.
He has held senior leadership positions across the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and its predecessor, the Department for International Development (DFID), including as Transformation Director and Director for Asia, Caribbean and Overseas Territories.
Earlier in his career, Mr Vowles worked in international development across South Asia, Central Africa and East Africa, including postings in Bangladesh, India, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Kenya. He began his career in Zimbabwe, where he worked in education and development.
Speaking on his appointment, Mr Vowles said, “I am honoured to be appointed as British High Commissioner to Nigeria. Nigeria is a country of immense importance to the United Kingdom, and I look forward to working closely with Nigerian partners to strengthen our relationship across trade, development and security.”