Just In: Trump Recalls US Ambassador to Nigeria

United States President Donald Trump has reportedly recalled the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, alongside several other career diplomats serving as ambassadors across different regions of the world.

According to a report by Politico, the decision forms part of a broader move by the Trump administration to realign US diplomatic representation abroad in line with the president’s “America First” foreign policy agenda.

A State Department official confirmed that the affected ambassadors were largely appointed during the administration of former President Joe Biden and are expected to conclude their tenures as chiefs of mission by January.

While their ambassadorial postings will end, the diplomats may return to Washington and continue serving in other capacities within the State Department if they choose.

Africa has been the most impacted region by the recall, with ambassadors withdrawn from 13 countries, including Nigeria, Burundi, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Uganda.

Other affected regions include the Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, and the Western Hemisphere.

In a statement, the State Department described the recalls as a routine administrative process, noting that ambassadors serve at the discretion of the president and are expected to promote the policy priorities of the sitting administration.

“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 statement said.

Officials emphasized that the recalled diplomats are not being dismissed from the foreign service and remain eligible for other assignments.

However, the abrupt changes are expected to necessitate adjustments in embassy operations and ongoing diplomatic initiatives in the affected countries.

The recall of the US ambassador to Nigeria comes at a time of heightened focus on US-Africa relations and has raised concerns among some lawmakers and the American Foreign Service Association, which represents US diplomats.

For Nigeria, the departure of the US envoy signals a significant shift in diplomatic engagement, especially as the country remains a key US partner in regional security, economic cooperation, and development efforts.