Source: Africa Publicity
Richard Mills has formally ended his tenure as United States ambassador to Nigeria following President Donald Trump’s sweeping recall of US envoys from dozens of diplomatic missions around the world.
The US Mission in Nigeria announced on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 in a post on Facebook that Mills’ final day in office was Friday. He had been confirmed as ambassador in May 2024, well short of the typical three-to-four-year term expected for such postings.
His departure comes amid a major diplomatic reshuffle ordered in December, which saw ambassadors withdrawn from more than two dozen countries, with Africa reportedly the most affected.
Mills’ recall unfolded against the backdrop of strained US-Nigeria relations, marked by visa disputes and security concerns, even as both governments were working to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
US State Department officials clarified that the recalled ambassadors have not been dismissed from the foreign service and may return to Washington to take up other assignments if they choose.
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