Swart brings over two decades of diplomatic experience as he assumes leadership of U.S. interests across 17 southern Nigerian states.
The United States Mission in Nigeria has officially welcomed Rick Swart as the new Consul General in Lagos. Swart assumed office on July 16, 2025, becoming the senior U.S. government representative across the 17 states of Southern Nigeria.
As Consul General, Swart will oversee American diplomatic initiatives in the region, focusing on strengthening trade and investment, enhancing people-to-people ties, and advancing shared diplomatic priorities between Nigeria and the United States.
“I am honored to serve in Nigeria. I’m excited to travel across the region, meet the people, and experience the culture, while working to make our two countries safer, stronger, and more prosperous,” Swart said during his first address.
A Diplomatic Transition
Rick Swart takes over from JoEllen Gorg, who served in an acting capacity following the departure of former Consul General Will Stevens in November 2024. Stevens was widely recognized for his impactful tenure, which emphasized cultural diplomacy and trade relations.
Swart expressed gratitude to JoEllen Gorg for her exceptional leadership, praising her efforts in strengthening U.S.–Nigeria relations during the transition period.
He also noted his commitment to working closely with U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, David Greene Mills, and the Embassy team in Abuja to advance mutual goals across both regions.
Swart’s Global Diplomatic Footprint
A seasoned diplomat and career member of the U.S. Senior Foreign Service, Swart’s portfolio spans several continents and critical diplomatic postings. Before arriving in Nigeria, he served as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Chad.
His career highlights include:
- Chargé d’Affaires in Chad, Congo, and Burundi
- Deputy Consul General in Baghdad, Iraq
- Humanitarian Assistance Officer for Africa at the U.S. Mission to the UN in Geneva
- Assignments in London, Manila, and Dubai
- Sub-Saharan Africa policy lead at the State Department in Washington, D.C.
Before joining the Foreign Service in 2002, Swart worked in architecture and design and served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Mali, where he began his journey of cross-cultural engagement and international service.
What You Should Know
The United States divides its diplomatic representation in Nigeria between two missions: the U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos.
- The U.S. Consulate in Lagos, now under Rick Swart’s leadership, covers the 17 states in Southern Nigeria. This includes the South-West, South-East, and South-South regions—home to major economic and cultural hubs like Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Enugu.
- The U.S. Embassy in Abuja oversees Nigeria’s 18 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, with a focus on security, governance, and development cooperation in the North-West, North-East, and North-Central regions.
Swart’s arrival signals renewed energy in U.S. diplomatic outreach across southern Nigeria, as Washington continues to strengthen its strategic partnership with Africa’s largest economy.
