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The United Kingdom has appointed Peter Vowles as the new British High Commissioner to Nigeria, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office announced on Monday.
“Mr Peter Vowles has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in succession to Dr Richard Montgomery CMG,” the statement read.
“Mr Vowles will take up his appointment during September 2026,” the FCDO said.
Vowles, a seasoned diplomat with extensive experience across Africa and Asia, is currently serving as the British High Commissioner to Zimbabwe, a role he has held since 2023.
His diplomatic and development career spans over two decades, with key roles in the FCDO and its predecessor, the Department for International Development (DFID), according to the statement.
He previously served as FCDO Transformation Director from 2022 to 2023 and as HM Ambassador to Myanmar between 2021 and 2022. From 2018 to 2021, he was Director for Asia, the Caribbean, and the Overseas Territories at DFID.
Tinoenda! pic.twitter.com/mLvM3S49qv
— Pete Vowles (@PeteVowles) June 12, 2026
Earlier postings include Country Director for DFID in Kenya from 2016 to 2018, Head of Programme Delivery from 2013 to 2016, and Deputy Country Director in the Democratic Republic of Congo from 2010 to 2013.
Vowles also served as Head of Global Partnerships in India from 2007 to 2010 and Governance and Security Team Leader in Afghanistan from 2006 to 2007.
He joined DFID in 2006 after working as a Health and Development Consultant with Mott MacDonald between 2005 and 2006. He had earlier served as Population and Health Programme Director in Bangladesh from 2003 to 2005 and as a World Bank Health Adviser in Bangladesh from 2002 to 2003.
His early career includes participation in the National Health Service Management Training Scheme from 2000 to 2002, Head of Projects at Raleigh International from 1999 to 2000, and various development roles in Zimbabwe, including Policy and Programme Manager with Students Partnership Worldwide between 1996 and 1999. He also worked as a teacher with Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture between 1992 and 1993.
