By Mark Longyen
Abuja: U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, has concluded his tour of duty in the country following President Donald Trump’s recall of about 30 U.S. envoys from around the world.
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 the 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 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 in which political appointees resign, this move was considered highly unusual because it abruptly removed career diplomats, who are usually retained for continuity.
The affected diplomats, most of whom were career Foreign Service officers appointed during the Biden administration, were notified that their tenures would end in January 2026.
According to the U.S. Department of State, among the large number of envoys withdrawn from more than two dozen countries, Africa is the most affected.
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 jobs in the foreign service.
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 ongoing developments in U.S.-Nigeria relations, such as the U.S. redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and visa restrictions.
Relations between the two countries have, however, remained mutually beneficial and will continue to improve, especially as both countries currently strive to strengthen diplomatic ties through various initiatives and partnerships.
