A Seasoned Development Diplomat and Practitioner
The United Kingdom has appointed a new Development Director for its High Commission in Nigeria: Cynthia Rowe, a seasoned development diplomat and practitioner who has worked in various challenging and complex contexts around the world.
Rowe replaces Christopher Prycroft, who completed his four-year tenure as the UK’s lead development official in Nigeria. She brings with her a wealth of experience and expertise in areas such as governance, policy, health, education, and humanitarian response.
Rowe expressed her delight and passion for working in Nigeria, one of the most remarkable countries in the world for its talent, opportunities, and challenges. She said she was eager to partner with the Nigerian government and other stakeholders to advance the country’s development agenda.
“I am passionate about the UK’s close relationship with Nigeria, and partnership will be the cornerstone of my work here. I am hugely encouraged by the work that has already been achieved by my predecessor in the areas of Health, Education, and Governance of our work with Women and Girls and helping where there is humanitarian need.” she said.
A Distinguished Career in the Development Sector
Rowe has a distinguished career in the development sector, having served in various roles and locations for the Department for International Development (DFID), now part of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). She was the Head of Governance, Political and Services at the British Embassy in Kathmandu, Nepal; the Senior Councillor for Policy at DFID Tanzania; and the Head of Mission and Lead for Ebola Operations in Sierra Leone.
She has also worked in the private sector and in the UK government, where she helped redesign local government systems and scrutinised the performance of governments in her work with the Audit Commission.
Rowe has been awarded two service medals for her outstanding work in Afghanistan and Sierra Leone where she faced significant security and health risks.
Critical Time for Nigeria’s Development Challenges
Rowe’s appointment comes at a critical time for Nigeria, as the country faces multiple development challenges such as poverty, insecurity, corruption, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The UK is one of Nigeria’s largest and most committed development partners, providing support in various sectors such as health, education, governance, economic growth, and humanitarian assistance.
Rowe will lead the UK’s development efforts in Nigeria, working closely with the British High Commissioner, Catriona Laing, and other UK government colleagues, as well as the Nigerian government and civil society.
Rowe’s arrival signals the UK’s continued commitment and support for Nigeria’s development aspirations, as well as the strengthening of the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
