A new Consul General of the United States Mission has arrived in Nigeria, ushering in a renewed phase of U.S.-Nigeria relations, and bringing fresh perspectives to the bilateral relationship, amid mutual complexities.
- Rick Swart has been appointed as the new U.S. Consul General to Nigeria, taking over the post on July 16.
- He brings over two decades of diplomatic experience, having previously served in Chad, Congo, and several other countries.
- The U.S.-Nigeria relationship faces challenges, including policy disagreements and Nigeria’s global partnerships.
Rick Swart, a veteran diplomat appointed by President Trump to further the US interests in the West African country, officially assumed duty on July 16, taking over from JoEllen Gorg, who served in an interim capacity following the departure of former Consul General Will Stevens in November 2024.
In his first official announcement, made in Lagos on Friday, Swart expressed his enthusiasm for his new role, “I am honored to serve in Nigeria. I am excited about the opportunity to travel across the region, meet the people, and experience the culture, while advancing our shared goals of making our two countries safer, stronger, and more prosperous through mutual understanding and cooperation.“
The new Consul General also acknowledged the efforts of his predecessor, JoEllen Gorg, saying “I thank JoEllen for her remarkable leadership and outstanding work in promoting our close partnership with the Nigerian people in the region, which has laid a solid foundation for our continued collaboration.”
He further emphasized his commitment to collaboration, stating, “I look forward to working closely with Ambassador Mills and the team at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja to further advance our shared objectives between Nigeria and the United States, particularly in areas of economic development, security, and cultural exchange.”
Consul brings deep field experience
A career member of the U.S. Foreign Service, Swart brings over two decades of experience to his new role. He previously served as Deputy Chief of Mission in Chad and held diplomatic posts in Congo, Burundi, Iraq, Geneva, London, Manila, and Dubai.
As Consul General, Swart will lead diplomatic efforts to expand trade and investment ties, promote mutual prosperity, and strengthen people-to-people connections between the United States and Nigeria.
He will work closely with the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, David Greene Mills, and the team in the U.S. Embassy in Abuja to further shared objectives.
The US-Nigeria relationship is under strain due to President Trump’s immigration policies and Nigeria’s growing ties with BRICS nations. However, the appointment of Rick Swart as Consul General could mark a turning point, signaling a new direction for bilateral relations.
The ongoing construction of a $537 million US Consulate General in Lagos reinforces this potential shift, symbolizing the enduring partnership between the two countries.
Olamilekan Okebiorun
