United States President Donald Trump has reportedly ordered the recall of the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, along with several other career diplomats serving as ambassadors.
According to Politico, the decision is aimed at realigning America’s diplomatic representation overseas with President Trump’s “America First” policy agenda.
A State Department official confirmed that the affected ambassadors, most of whom were appointed during the administration of former President Joe Biden, will conclude their tenures as chiefs of mission in January.
While the diplomats are expected to return to Washington and may continue their careers in other roles if they choose, their ambassadorial postings will come to an end, the official said.
Africa has been the hardest-hit region in the shake-up, with ambassadors recalled 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 US State Department described the move as a routine process, noting that ambassadors serve at the president’s discretion and are expected to advance the administration’s policy objectives.
“An ambassador is the personal representative of the president, and it is the president’s prerogative to ensure that those serving in these roles promote the America First agenda,” the statement said.
Officials emphasised that the recalled diplomats are not being dismissed from the foreign service and remain eligible to serve in other capacities within the State Department.
Nevertheless, the sudden recalls are expected to necessitate adjustments to embassy operations and diplomatic programmes in the affected countries.
The recall of the US envoy to Nigeria comes at a time of increased focus on US–Africa relations and has raised concerns among some lawmakers and the American Foreign Service Association. For Nigeria, the development signals a significant change in diplomatic engagement as the country remains a key partner in regional security, economic cooperation and development efforts.
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