Tag: Richard Mills

Richard Mills has officially stepped down as United States ambassador to Nigeria following a global recall of US envoys by President Donald Trump. The US mission in Nigeria announced on Tuesday that Mills’ final day in office was Friday. He had been confirmed as ambassador in May 2024, a position normally held for three to four years. The recall, part of a broader diplomatic reshuffle in December, affected more than two dozen countries, with African nations among the most impacted. Mills’ departure comes amid strained US-Nigeria relations over visa disputes and security issues, even as both nations sought to strengthen bilateral cooperation. State Department officials emphasized that recalled ambassadors would retain their foreign service positions and could return to Washington for other assignments if they wished. The mission also stated that Keith Heffern, the current deputy chief of mission, will serve as charge d’affaires in Nigeria until further notice.