Tag: Rick Swart

The newly appointed United States Consul General in Lagos, Rick Swart, has pledged to prioritise the expansion of trade and commercial relations between the U.S. and Nigeria.

Swart made this known during a reception held in his honour by the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, which brought together prominent Nigerians from various sectors, including business moguls Atedo Peterside and Tony Elumelu, Lagos Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria Richard Mills, renowned economist Bismarck Rewane, and Managing Director of New Telegraph newspapers, Ayo Aminu.

In his address, Swart, introduced by Ambassador Mills, said, “As I begin this new chapter, I’m excited to focus on expanding the commercial engagement between the United States and Nigeria in fostering sustainable growth through trade, investment, and innovation.

“Nigeria’s dynamic economy and youthful entrepreneurial spirit offer incredible opportunities for collaboration. I look forward to working with U.S. and Nigerian businesses to further unlock that potential.”

Swart also disclosed that he would be engaging stakeholders—including business leaders, religious figures, and non-governmental organisations—across the 17 states under his jurisdiction.

He noted that he and his wife, Bonnie, were delighted to be in Lagos, adding that the warm reception they received in Nigeria far surpassed that of any African country they had previously worked in.

“My spouse, Bonnie, and I are deeply grateful for the warm welcome we have received from the Nigerian people since our arrival.

Read Also: Tsunami waves hit Russia, U.S., Japan after magnitude 8.8 quake

“Mama Nike and her wonderful team celebrated our arrival at the U.S. Consulate with drumming and dancing, giving us an unforgettable introduction to the vibrancy and hospitality that make Nigeria such a memorable and remarkable place.

“As we all know, Nigeria is a country of unlimited possibilities, and I am thrilled to serve here at such an exciting time in U.S.-Nigeria relations.

“Bonnie and I are so happy to be here in Lagos, a city that pulses with energy, creativity, and ambition. We are eager to immerse ourselves in the culture, engage with the people, and work alongside all of you to advance the shared goals of our countries across the 17 states in our consulate region.

“I constantly remind myself that diplomacy is not just a profession. It is a privilege, and I’m honoured to serve in this globally dynamic and influential nation,” he said.

He also appreciated Ms. Joellen Gore, who held forth for seven months following the departure of Will Stevens, the former Consul General.

“Joellen led the consulate with distinction and made significant contributions to strengthening the partnership between our nations. Her leadership and dedication have left a strong foundation, and I am eager to build on her work in collaboration with the outstanding teams at our consulate right here in Lagos and our embassy in Abuja,” he added.

Appreciating the serenity of the Consul General’s official residence in Ikoyi, Swart noted the ongoing construction of the new Consulate in the exclusive Eko Atlantic, saying it was evidence that the US has and will continue to be a strong long-term partner with the people of Nigeria, creating a more prosperous future that benefits both our great nations. 

Earlier, Ambassador Mills told the gathering that Swart would bring his diplomatic experience in building bridges between nations and people to bear.

“So, given this experience, I am confident that his leadership will continue to deepen and expand the already strong partnership we have with Nigeria and with the 17 Nigerian states that make up this consulate’s area of responsibility.

“So let me end by saying, Rick, we all look forward to working with you, and the team here in Lagos to build a safer, a stronger, more prosperous future for both the United States and for the great people of Nigeria,” he said.

The United States (US) Mission has announced the arrival of its new Consul General, Rick Swart.

He arrived in Lagos on July 16.

In a statement, the mission said: “As Consul General in Lagos, Swart is the senior U.S. Government representative to the Nigerian people throughout the 17 states in southern Nigeria.

“He is responsible for leading and overseeing U.S. government activities that deepen trade and investment ties, expand people-to-people connections, and advance the full range of priorities in the U.S.-Nigeria bilateral relationship across the region.”

Read Also: MUSWEN urges Nigerians to emulate Buhari’s lifestyle

“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 takes over from JoEllen Gorg who led the Consulate General in an interim capacity over the last seven months.

The immediate past Consul General, Will Stevens, completed his tour of duty in November 2024.

Swart, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, has held diverse diplomatic roles across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia, most recently as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Chad.