Hudspeth takes over as US Consul General in Lagos

Brandon Hudspeth has officially commenced his three-year tenure as the new U.S. Consul General in Lagos, Nigeria. As the senior U.S. government representative across several Nigerian states, Hudspeth takes over from Rick Swart, who retired in July 2026.

This appointment marks Hudspeth's second posting to Lagos, having previously served as the Political-Economic Section Chief at the Consulate from 2020 to 2022. This earlier period saw a deepened U.S. engagement in trade, governance, and regional security within Nigeria.

"I am honored to return to Lagos as the US Consul General. I know firsthand the strength of the US-Nigeria partnership and the extraordinary energy, ingenuity, and entrepreneurial spirit that Nigerians and Americans share," Hudspeth stated in his first remarks from Lagos. He expressed excitement about returning to serve in Nigeria.

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I am honored to return to Lagos as the US Consul General. I know firsthand the strength of the US-Nigeria partnership and the extraordinary energy, ingenuity, and entrepreneurial spirit that Nigerians and Americans share.

During his term, Hudspeth aims to reconnect with existing partners, build new relationships, and collaborate with Nigerian stakeholders to expand bilateral trade and investment. He specifically looks forward to working with Nigerians to drive innovation, strengthen cooperation in the technology and creative sectors, and create opportunities for shared prosperity.

Hudspeth brings over two decades of diplomatic experience across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Washington, D.C. His previous roles include Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Windhoek, Namibia, and Director of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement at the U.S. Embassy in Manila, Philippines. He holds degrees from Morehouse College and Harvard University's Kennedy School, and is a graduate of the National Defense University.

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I look forward to working alongside Nigerians to drive innovation, strengthen collaboration in the technology and creative industries, and create new opportunities that advance shared prosperity for both countries.