A new Consul General of the United States Mission has arrived in Nigeria, ushering in a renewed phase of U.S.-Nigeria relations and bringing fresh perspectives to the bilateral relationship, amid mutual complexities.

Rick Swart, a veteran diplomat appointed by President Trump to further the US interests in the West African country, officially assumed duty on July 16, taking over from JoEllen Gorg, who served in an interim capacity following the departure of former Consul General Will Stevens in November 2024.

In his first official announcement, made in Lagos on Friday, Swart expressed his enthusiasm for his new role, “I am honoured to serve in Nigeria. I am excited about the opportunity to travel across the region, meet the people, and experience the culture, while advancing our shared goals of making our two countries safer, stronger, and more prosperous through mutual understanding and cooperation.”