New Deputy High Commisioner For the UK in Nigeria

Mr Jonny Baxter has been named the new Deputy High Commissioner (DHC) for the United Kingdom in Lagos, Nigeria.
Baxter succeeds Ben Llewellyn-Jones OBE, who served as Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos for three years, according to a statement released on Tuesday by Ndidiamaka Eze, Senior Press & Public Affairs Officer | Comms Lead, Prosperity & Economic Development at the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

The statement claims that Jonny is a seasoned diplomat who has served in a variety of international capacities. His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of South Sudan from January 2021 to July 2023 and Deputy Director, Finance and Performance Department at the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office – FCDO (then DFID) from 2018 to 2020 preceded his appointment as British Deputy High Commissioner (DHC) in Lagos.

Baxter is rumoured to have worked for the DFID in a number of high-ranking capacities. At the DFID Headquarters in London, he has held a number of positions, including that of head of the Human Development Department (2017–2018), Principal Private Secretary to the Secretary of State (2014–2016), and head of the Higher Education Taskforce Secretariat (2013–2014).

According to the statement, prior to assuming these responsibilities, Jonny served in positions in Sudan, Iraq, Guyana, and Tanzania.

In a statement made upon his arrival, Baxter said, “I am excited about this new role and I look forward to working with the people of this great country, including those in government, the private sector, and civil society, to do all I can to help build a more prosperous Nigeria and strengthen the already impressive partnerships between the people and institutions of both our countries.”