The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, has concluded his tour of duty following President Donald Trump’s recall of about 30 U.S. envoys from various countries around the world.
Amb. Mills was confirmed as U.S. ambassador to Nigeria in May 2024, nearly two years ago.
“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, a.i. until further notice,” the U.S. Mission in Nigeria announced on Tuesday.
President Trump had unveiled the sweeping diplomatic reshuffle in December 2025, a move that affected several U.S. ambassadors, including Mills, whose assignment officially ended on Friday.
The development departed from normal diplomatic practice, as political transitions typically involve the resignation of political appointees, not the abrupt recall of career diplomats who are usually retained to ensure continuity.
The diplomats affected by the decision, most of whom are career Foreign Service officers appointed during the Biden administration, were informed that their postings would terminate in January 2026.
The U.S. Department of State disclosed that among the envoys withdrawn from more than two dozen countries, Africa accounted for the highest number of recalls.
According to the department, the action formed part of a wider strategy to realign the State Department with President Trump’s “America First” policy objectives.
Officials described the recall as a “standard process,” maintaining that the President is entitled to ensure that ambassadors serving abroad are personal representatives who fully align with his agenda.
They further clarified that the affected envoys were being reassigned to duties in Washington and would retain their Foreign Service positions.
However, the American Foreign Service Association, which represents U.S. diplomats, criticised the move as “highly irregular” and described it as “institutional sabotage,” warning that it could undermine U.S. credibility and leave key diplomatic posts unoccupied.
The recall comes amid recent developments in U.S.-Nigeria relations, including the redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern by the United States, as well as the introduction of visa restrictions, among other issues.
Despite these challenges, relations between Nigeria and the United States have remained mutually beneficial and are expected to improve further as both countries continue efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties through various initiatives and partnerships.
