The U.S. Mission in Nigeria has announced Rick Swart as the new Consul General in Lagos.

Swart, who arrived on Wednesday, will represent the U.S. across 17 southern Nigerian states. His role focuses on strengthening trade, fostering U.S.-Nigeria relations, and advancing mutual priorities.

“I’m honored to serve in Nigeria and eager to connect with its people and culture while working to make our nations safer and more prosperous,” Swart said in a statement released Friday by the U.S. Consulate’s Public Diplomacy Section.

He succeeds JoEllen Gorg, who had served in an interim role since November 2024 after Will Stevens’ departure. Swart commended Gorg’s leadership and pledged close collaboration with Ambassador Mills and the U.S. Embassy in Abuja.

A seasoned diplomat, Swart previously served as Deputy Chief of Mission in Chad, with prior postings in Congo, Burundi, Iraq, Geneva, London, Manila, and Dubai. He began his diplomatic career in 2002 after serving in the Peace Corps in Mali.

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