Lagos, Nigeria
A new chapter in the economic relationship between Nigeria and the United States is beginning with the arrival of Rick Swart, the newly appointed U.S. Consul General in Lagos. In a powerful statement that has resonated with business leaders and policymakers, Swart has pledged to make strengthening trade and commercial ties between the two nations his top priority. This commitment comes at a crucial time for both countries, as Nigeria seeks to diversify its economy and the U.S. looks to expand its partnerships in Africa’s most populous and dynamic market.
Swart, a seasoned diplomat with a long history of service across Africa and the globe, was formally introduced during a reception hosted by the U.S. Mission in Nigeria. The event, which drew prominent figures from Nigeria’s business, political, and economic sectors—including banking magnates, political leaders, and renowned economists—served as a clear signal of the importance the U.S. places on its relationship with Nigeria.
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In his address, the new Consul General underscored the vast, untapped potential for collaboration. “As I begin this new chapter, I’m excited to focus on expanding the commercial engagement between the United States and Nigeria, fostering sustainable growth through trade, investment, and innovation,” Swart stated. “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.”
This pledge is more than just diplomatic rhetoric; it builds on a strong foundation of existing trade relations and recent strategic initiatives.
The U.S. is a major trading partner for Nigeria, with total goods trade valued at over $9.9 billion in 2024. While a significant portion of this trade has historically been in oil and gas, both countries have been actively working to diversify the flow of goods and services. The recent U.S.-Nigeria Commercial and Investment Partnership (CIP), signed in 2024, is a testament to this shared vision. The five-year agreement is specifically designed to dismantle regulatory barriers, attract private investment, and open up access to American venture capital, particularly for Nigeria’s booming tech sector.
Swart’s arrival and his focus on trade are particularly timely given the expiration of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) in 2025. AGOA has been a cornerstone of U.S.-Africa trade policy, providing duty-free access to the American market for many African goods.
As the future of this program is debated, Swart’s mission to deepen commercial ties offers a proactive approach to ensuring the U.S.-Nigeria economic partnership continues to thrive, regardless of the fate of specific trade legislation. The new Consul General’s background, which includes serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Mali, gives him a unique understanding of the continent and its people, a factor that could be invaluable in fostering stronger “people-to-people connections” that he also mentioned as a key objective.
Beyond the numbers, the U.S. investment in Nigeria is tangible. The ongoing construction of the new U.S. Consulate in Lagos’ exclusive Eko Atlantic city is a powerful symbol of the long-term commitment. Swart referred to the project as “evidence that the U.S. has and will continue to be a strong long-term partner with the people of Nigeria, creating a more prosperous future.”
Swart’s appointment and his clear-eyed focus on economic collaboration are a positive development for Nigeria. His commitment to engaging with a wide range of stakeholders—including business leaders, religious figures, and non-governmental organizations across the 17 states in his jurisdiction—demonstrates a comprehensive approach to building a more robust and equitable partnership. As Nigeria navigates its economic reforms and seeks to harness the power of its youthful, entrepreneurial population, the proactive stance of the new U.S. Consul General offers a powerful signal of support and a promising path forward for mutual growth and prosperity.
