Richard Mills has concluded his tenure as United States ambassador to Nigeria after President Donald Trump recalled envoys across dozens of the country’s global missions.
In a post on Tuesday, the US mission in Nigeria said Mills’ last day was Friday. He was confirmed as US ambassador to Nigeria in May 2024.
Envoys typically remain at their posts for between three and four years.
But a diplomatic shake-up in December saw the US ambassador withdrawn from his office.
Over two dozen countries were said to be affected — with Africa the most impacted continent.
Mills’ recall came amid frosty US-Nigeria relations over visa rows and security concerns.
The recall also happened as both sides put in effort to partner on initiatives to strengthen the relationship.
State Department officials said the recalled ambassadors would not lose their foreign service jobs but would return to Washington for other assignments should they wish to take them.
The US mission said Keith Heffern, the current deputy chief of mission, will serve as charge d’affaires in Nigeria until further notice.
