The United States Mission in Nigeria has announced the arrival of its new Consul General in Lagos, Rick Swart.

Swart, who arrived in Lagos will represent the US government across 17 states in southern Nigeria.

This was contained in a statement made available to reporters by the Public Diplomacy Section, US Consulate General Lagos.

Swart is expected to oversee efforts aimed at deepening trade, strengthening ties with Nigerians, and advancing key U.S.-Nigeria priorities in the region.

He succeeds JoEllen Gorg who had served in an interim capacity since November 2024, following the departure of Will Stevens.

Recall that a career diplomat, Swart was previously Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Chad.

His past assignments have taken him to Congo, Burundi, Iraq, Geneva, London, Manila, and Dubai, among others.

He also served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Mali before joining the State Department in 2002.