The United States has named Rick Swart as its new Consul General in Lagos, marking a key diplomatic shift in southern Nigeria.
Swart, who arrived in Lagos on Wednesday, will represent the US government across 17 states in the southern region.
His appointment was formally announced in a statement issued Friday, July 18, by the Public Diplomacy Section of the US Consulate General in Lagos.
According to the statement, Swart’s role includes strengthening bilateral ties, promoting trade and investment, and advancing key US-Nigeria priorities in the region.
“I am honoured to serve in Nigeria. I am excited about the opportunity to travel across the region, meet the people, experience the culture, while advancing the shared goals of making our two countries safer, stronger, and more prosperous,” Swart said.
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He takes over from JoEllen Gorg, who had served in an acting capacity since November 2024, following the exit of former Consul General Will Stevens.
Swart commended Gorg’s service, stating, “I thank JoEllen for her remarkable leadership and for the outstanding work she has done to promote our close partnership with the Nigerian people in the region.”
He added, “I look forward to working closely with Ambassador Mills and the team at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, to further advance the shared objectives between Nigeria and the United States.”
A seasoned diplomat, Swart previously served as Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in Chad.
His foreign service career spans several countries, including postings in Congo, Burundi, Iraq, Geneva, London, Manila, and Dubai.
Before joining the State Department in 2002, Swart also volunteered with the Peace Corps in Mali.