British High Commissioner-designate arrives Nigeria

Pete Vowles, the British High Commissioner-designate to Nigeria, has arrived in Abuja to assume his new diplomatic role. He is set to succeed Richard Montgomery, who had previously held the position. The British High Commission announced the arrival through a statement by Atinuke Akande-Alegbe, the Senior Communications and Public Diplomacy Officer.

Vowles expressed his excitement about being in Nigeria and emphasized his priority to listen, learn, and immerse himself in the country's culture and energy. He highlighted the strong people-to-people ties between the UK and Nigeria and his commitment to working with partners to strengthen bilateral relations. Nigeria's President, Obasanjo, recently condemned xenophobia in South Africa and remembered Nigeria's anti-apartheid role.

Vowles, who brings extensive diplomatic and development experience, most recently served as His Majesty’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe and has held senior leadership positions in various UK diplomatic and development offices. The arrival of Vowles coincides with the ongoing strong diplomatic, economic, security, and development ties between Nigeria and the UK, which are further strengthened by the large Nigerian diaspora community in Britain.