UK Appoints New Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja

• Mrs. Gill Lever OBE assumes the role of British Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, succeeding Ms. Gill Atkinson
• Lever, with extensive diplomatic experience globally, expresses enthusiasm for the new role and looks forward to strengthening UK-Nigeria relations

Mrs. Gill Lever OBE, a distinguished Officer of the Order of the British Empire, assumes the role of British Deputy High Commissioner (DHC) in Abuja, Nigeria, succeeding Ms. Gill Atkinson, who recently completed a four-year tenure in the position.

The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson in Abuja, Atinuke Akande-Alegbe, announced Lever’s appointment, highlighting her extensive diplomatic experience in various global assignments, including Romania, India, and Japan.

Prior to her role as British DHC in Abuja, Lever served as the UK Deputy Head of Mission to Juba, South Sudan, from 2022 to 2023. Earlier, she held the position of Head of Overseas Health and Welfare at the FCDO in London.

In the UK, Lever’s diverse roles encompassed leadership as the Head of the Peacekeeping Team in the UN Department, Deputy Head of Southeast Asia Department, and a Human Resources Business Partner.

Gill Lever’s contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic were recognized when she was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by HM Queen Elizabeth II in 2021 for her services to Health and Welfare and British Nationals.

Beyond her diplomatic endeavors, Lever has engaged in philanthropy, establishing child drowning prevention programs and fundraising for women’s and children’s projects in Vietnam.

Expressing her enthusiasm for the new role, Lever stated, “I am delighted to be back in Nigeria. I was posted to Abuja 10 years ago with my husband and son and have such fond memories. I always knew I’d be back! I am excited about my new role as Deputy High Commissioner. I look forward to working with the talented High Commission team in Abuja, with colleagues in Lagos, and in our other smaller posts across our Nigeria network to deepen the special relationship between our two proud countries.”