Richard Mills has ended his tenure as United States ambassador to Nigeria after President Donald Trump ordered the recall of envoys from numerous US diplomatic missions worldwide. In a statement on Tuesday, the US mission in Nigeria confirmed that Mills’ final day was Friday. He had been confirmed as ambassador to Nigeria in May 2024. Typically, US envoys serve in their postings for three to four years.
However, a diplomatic reshuffle in December led to Mills being recalled from his position. Reports indicated that envoys in more than two dozen countries were affected, with African nations experiencing the greatest impact. Mills’ recall occurred amid strained US-Nigeria relations, marked by disagreements over visas and security issues. The move came even as both countries continued efforts to collaborate on initiatives aimed at strengthening ties.
State Department officials noted that the recalled ambassadors would retain their positions within the foreign service and could return to Washington for other assignments if they chose. The US mission added that Keith Heffern, the current deputy chief of mission, would serve as charge d’affaires in Nigeria until further notice.
Source: https://www.thecable.ng/
