New British Envoy Pledges To Strengthen Ties With Nigeria

British High Commissioner-designate to Nigeria, Pete Vowles, has arrived in Abuja to take up his new role as head of the United Kingdom (UK’s) diplomatic mission in Nigeria even as he pledged to strengthen ties with Nigerian partners.

This was contained in a statement issued yesterday by Atinuke Akande of the Communication Unit of the British High Commission in Abuja.

Vowles succeeds Dr Richard Montgomery CMG, who just completed his assignment as high commissioner.

On his arrival, 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,” he said.

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, the statement added.