US President Donald Trump has recalled US Ambassador to Nigeria Richard Mills, along with several other career diplomats, from their ambassadorial posts.
Politico reports that the move is part of efforts to align US diplomatic representation with Trump’s “America First” agenda. A State Department official confirmed that the affected ambassadors, who were originally appointed during the Biden administration, will end their tenures in January.
The diplomats may return to Washington for other assignments, but their roles as chiefs of mission will conclude. Africa has been the region most affected, with ambassadors from 13 countries—including Nigeria, Burundi, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Uganda—among those recalled. Other regions impacted include the Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, and the Western Hemisphere.
The State Department described the recalls as a standard procedure in any administration, noting that ambassadors serve at the president’s pleasure to advance policy priorities. “An ambassador is a personal representative of the president, and it is the president’s right to ensure that he has individuals in these countries who advance the America First agenda,” the department said.
Officials emphasized that the recalled diplomats are not losing their foreign service careers and may continue serving in other capacities. However, the sudden changes are expected to require adjustments in embassy operations and ongoing diplomatic initiatives.
The recall of the US ambassador to Nigeria comes amid heightened attention on US-Africa relations and has raised concern among some lawmakers and the American Foreign Service Association. For Nigeria, the departure of the envoy marks a significant shift in diplomatic engagement at a time when the country remains a key partner in regional security, economic collaboration, and development efforts.
