Rick Swart, the new consular representative for the 17 southern states, will be arriving in Lagos, according to the U.S. Mission.
Swart arrived on Wednesday, according to a statement from the US Mission Nigeria on Friday.
Swart is in charge of overseeing and leading U.S. government initiatives that advance regional priorities, deepen trade and investment ties, and strengthen people-to-people connections.
Consul General Swart said, “It is an honor to serve in Nigeria.” I’m looking forward to getting to know the people in the area, meet the people, and experience the culture while advancing our two countries’ shared goals of safer, stronger, and prosperous.
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JoEllen Gorg, who has been in charge of the Consulate General for the past seven months, is taking over. Will Stevens, the immediate-adjacent consular general, completed his tour of duty in November 2024.
Swart has worked in a variety of diplomatic capacities, most recently as the U.S. Embassy in Chad, as a career member of the Senior Foreign Service.
His diplomatic responsibilities include those of the United States Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, Assistant Consul General in Baghdad, Iraq, and Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. in the Republics of Chad, Congo, and Burundi. Other assignments include domestic assignments in Washington, D.C., where several cross-saharan Africa issues are at the forefront, as well as overseas trips to London, Manila, and Dubai.
He worked in the private sector on architectural and design projects in Asia and Africa before joining the State Department in 2002. In Mali, he also served as a volunteer for the Peace Corps.
Swart thanked JoEllen for her outstanding leadership and work in promoting our close partnership with the Nigerian people in the area during his announcement.
Source: Channels TV
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