The United States has officially begun a sweeping recall of career ambassadors from around the world, including the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard M. Mills Jr., in a move driven by President Donald Trump’s foreign policy priorities. The recall of Ambassador Mills and nearly 30 other senior diplomats reflects a strategic realignment of Washington’s diplomatic corps under Trump’s “America First” agenda.
Strategic Realignment Under “America First”
The Trump administration’s decision to recall the ambassador to Nigeria is part of a broader reorientation of U.S. foreign policy aimed at ensuring that senior diplomatic representatives fully support the president’s strategic objectives. U.S. ambassadors serve “at the pleasure of the president,” meaning their ambassadorial postings can be concluded at any time if the White House decides new representation better aligns with current policy goals.
According to U.S. officials, the recalled ambassadors were appointed during the previous Biden administration and, although they had initially remained in their roles at the start of Trump’s second term, they were notified that their tenures would formally end in January. While these diplomats are not being dismissed from the U.S. Foreign Service, they will return to Washington and may be reassigned to other duties within the State Department if they choose.
Africa Most Affected Region
Africa has emerged as the region most impacted by the recall, with ambassadors from 13 African countries—including Nigeria—being asked to conclude their postings. Other regions affected include the Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, and the Western Hemisphere.
The State Department described the ambassadorial changes as a “standard process in any administration,” underscoring that ambassadors are personal representatives of the president and are expected to advance the administration’s foreign policy priorities in their host countries.
Implications for U.S.–Nigeria Relations
The recall of the U.S. ambassador to Nigeria comes at a significant moment for bilateral relations. Nigeria is a major partner for the United States in West Africa, particularly in areas such as regional security cooperation, economic engagement, democratic governance, and development initiatives. The departure of Ambassador Mills could require adjustments within the U.S. mission in Abuja, potentially affecting ongoing diplomatic initiatives and joint projects.
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The move has drawn concern from some U.S. lawmakers and the American Foreign Service Association, which represents U.S. diplomats, over the potential impact on diplomatic continuity and morale. Critics argue that shifting diplomatic leadership en masse may disrupt long-term engagement strategies and affect bilateral cooperation, especially at a time when both nations face shared challenges, including security and economic development.
Richard M. Mills Jr. was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as ambassador to Nigeria in May 2024 and presented his credentials in Abuja in July 2024. His tenure focused on strengthening economic ties and expanding cooperation on regional security and democratic governance.
Following the recall, the U.S. embassy in Nigeria will continue to operate under the leadership of a Chargé d’Affaires until a successor is appointed and confirmed. In the interim, embassy operations and programs are expected to continue, though diplomatic leadership at the ambassadorial level will be absent.
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