Sanwo-Olu, diplomats celebrate US 250th anniversary in Lagos

The United States Mission in Nigeria on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, hosted a reception in Lagos to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, bringing together government officials, diplomats, traditional rulers and business leaders.

The event, held at the residence of the U.S. Consul General in Ikoyi, Lagos, featured goodwill messages, cultural exchanges and a celebration of the longstanding diplomatic ties between both countries.

In his welcome remarks, the U.S. Consul General in Lagos, Rick Swart, expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s partnership and support in commemorating the milestone.

“Tonight is about celebration. Celebrate 250 years of the American story. On behalf of the entire U.S. Consulate team in Lagos,” he said.

Delivering the keynote address, the Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy in Nigeria, Keith Heffern, reflected on the country’s 250-year journey and emphasised the strength of U.S.-Nigeria relations.

“For more than six decades, our diplomatic relationship with Nigeria has grown to become one of the United States’ most important relationships on the continent of Africa,” he said.

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Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who also spoke at the event, called for deeper collaboration between both nations, noting the economic and diplomatic benefits of the partnership.

“This evening, on behalf of the people and government of Lagos, I want to extend warm congratulations to the government and people of America. We believe this quarter-millennial celebration will open new opportunities for stronger cooperation,” he said.

He added that Nigeria currently maintains one of the strongest trade relationships with the United States in sub-Saharan Africa, expressing optimism that ties between both countries could be further strengthened.

The evening ended with a ceremonial cake cutting, toasts and a fireworks display that lit up the sky, drawing admiration from guests.

Among those in attendance were Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, Keith Heffern, and his wife Carrie; U.S. Consul General in Lagos, Rick Swart, and his wife Bonnie; Public Affairs Officer, Julie McKay; Deputy Public Affairs Officer, Amanda Brown; Lagos Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab; and Chairman of Arise Media Group, Nduka Obaigbena, among others.