British High Commissioner Designate Pete Vowles Arrives in Nigeria

British High Commissioner Designate Pete Vowles Arrives in Nigeria

Abuja, 14 September 2026 – British High Commissioner Designate to Nigeria, Pete Vowles, has arrived in Abuja to take up his new role as head of the United Kingdom’s diplomatic mission in Nigeria. Mr Vowles succeeds Dr. Richard Montgomery CMG.

Speaking on his arrival, Mr Vowles said:
“I am hugely excited to be in Nigeria. My first priority is to listen and learn – to travel, meet people and immerse myself in this extraordinary country, its culture and its energy. The UK and Nigeria have a deep and enduring partnership, built above all on the connections between our people. I’m looking forward to discovering Nigeria for myself and working with partners across the country to build on that relationship and see what more we can achieve together.”

Mr Vowles brings extensive diplomatic and development experience to the role, having most recently served as His Majesty’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe. He has also held senior leadership positions across the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and formerly served as Ambassador to Myanmar.

**ENDS**
Notes to editors
– Pete Vowles was announced as the next British High Commissioner to the Federal Republic of Nigeria on 16 June 2026.
– ⁠He has previously served in senior diplomatic and development roles across Africa and Asia, including postings in Bangladesh, India, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Kenya.