Pete Vowles arrives Abuja as new British High Commissioner to Nigeria

Pete Vowles has arrived in Abuja to take up his appointment as the new British High Commissioner to Nigeria.

Vowles succeeds Dr Richard Montgomery CMG, who previously headed the United Kingdom’s diplomatic mission in Nigeria. 

His appointment was announced by the British government on June 16, 2026.

Speaking after his arrival, Vowles expressed enthusiasm about his new assignment, saying he intends to deepen his understanding of Nigeria while working to strengthen the longstanding partnership between the two countries.

“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,” he said.

He added, “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.”

The new High Commissioner brings considerable diplomatic and development experience to the position. Before his appointment to Nigeria, he served as His Majesty’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe.

Vowles has also held several senior positions at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and previously served as Britain’s Ambassador to Myanmar.

His other diplomatic and development assignments have taken him to Bangladesh, India, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Kenya, giving him extensive experience working across Africa and Asia.