By Sulyman Gobir
The British High Commissioner-designate to Nigeria, Pete Vowles, has arrived in Abuja to take up his new role, pledging to strengthen relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Vowles, who succeeds Dr Richard Montgomery CMG, arrived on Monday, according to a statement issued by the British High Commission.
Speaking after his arrival, Vowles says his immediate priority would be to listen, learn and engage with Nigerians across the country.
“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,” he said.
The new High Commissioner-designate described the Nigeria-UK relationship as deep and enduring, built largely on strong people-to-people connections.
He said he looked forward to working with partners across Nigeria to build on existing cooperation and explore what both countries could achieve together.
Vowles brings extensive diplomatic and development experience to the role, having previously served as the UK Ambassador to Zimbabwe and Myanmar, as well as in several senior diplomatic positions.
His appointment as the next British High Commissioner to Nigeria was announced on June 16, 2026.
