United States President Donald Trump has reportedly ordered the recall of the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, alongside several other career diplomats serving as ambassadors across different regions of the world.
The development was reported by Politico, which cited US State Department sources as saying the decision is part of a broader effort to realign American diplomatic representation abroad with President Trump’s “America First” foreign policy agenda.
A State Department official confirmed that the ambassadors affected by the recall were appointed under the administration of former President Joe Biden and are expected to formally conclude their ambassadorial tenures by January. While their roles as chiefs of mission will end, the official noted that the diplomats remain members of the US Foreign Service and may return to Washington or take up other assignments within the department if they choose.
Africa has emerged as the region most impacted by the move, with ambassadors recalled from 13 countries. In addition to Nigeria, affected nations reportedly include Burundi, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Uganda. Diplomatic postings in other parts of the world have also been affected, spanning the Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, and the Western Hemisphere.
In a statement addressing the development, the State Department described the recalls as a routine aspect of transitions between administrations. The department stressed that ambassadors serve at the discretion of the president and are expected to advance the sitting administration’s policy objectives.
“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 further clarified that the recalled diplomats are not being dismissed from service and will retain their positions within the foreign service system. However, they acknowledged that the sudden changes could lead to operational adjustments within US embassies and may temporarily affect diplomatic engagements and ongoing initiatives in the host countries.
The recall of the US ambassador to Nigeria has attracted attention amid renewed focus on US–Africa relations. The move has reportedly raised concerns among some American lawmakers and the American Foreign Service Association, which represents US diplomats.
For Nigeria, the departure of Ambassador Mills represents a significant shift in diplomatic engagement at a time when the country plays a strategic role in regional security cooperation, economic partnerships, and development programmes involving the United States.
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