U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, has ended his tour of duty in the country following President Donald Trump’s recall of about 30 U.S. envoys from countries globally.
Amb. Mills was confirmed as U.S. ambassador to Nigeria nearly two years ago in May, 2024.
“Ambassador Mills led the U.S. Mission in strengthening relationship with Nigeria for the last year and a half.
“Current Deputy Chief of Mission Keith Heffern will serve as Charge d’Affaires, until further notice,” the U.S. Mission in Nigeria said on Tuesday.
Trump announced the comprehensive diplomatic shake-up in December, 2025, affecting many U.S. envoys, including Mills, whose tour of duty officially ended on Friday.
Unlike typical transitions where political appointees resign, this move was considered highly unusual because it abruptly removed career diplomats, who usually remain in place for continuity.
The affected diplomats, most of whom were career Foreign Service officers, who were appointed during the Biden administration, were notified that their tenures would end in January, 2026.
According to the U.S. Department of State, out of the large number of envoys, who were withdrawn from more than two dozen countries, Africa is the most impacted.
It explained that the recalls were part of a broader effort to realign the Department with President Trump’s “America First” priorities.
Officials described the move as a “standard process,” arguing that the President has the right to ensure envoys are personal representatives who fully support his agenda.
They added that the envoys were merely being recalled to Washington for other assignments and would not lose their foreign service jobs.
However, the American Foreign Service Association (the diplomats’ union) called the move “highly irregular” and “institutional sabotage,” expressing concern that it would weaken U.S. credibility and leave critical posts vacant.
The latest development comes amid some developments in U.S.-Nigeria relations, such as the U.S. redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, and visa restrictions, among others.
Relations between the two countries have, however, remained mutually beneficial and will continue to improve, especially with both countries currently striving to strengthen diplomatic relations through various initiatives and partnerships.
NAN
