Ambassador Richard Mills has formally ended his tenure as the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, bringing his assignment at the U.S. Mission to a close.
The U.S. Mission announced his departure in a post on its official X handle on Tuesday, noting that Mills spent about one and a half years steering diplomatic engagements between Washington and Abuja.
During his time in office, the envoy was said to have prioritised the deepening of bilateral relations, with emphasis on trade, investment and regional security cooperation.
The Mission said his leadership helped to reinforce the longstanding partnership between both countries, particularly in economic collaboration and security initiatives across the region.
With Mills’ exit, the Deputy Chief of Mission, Keith Heffern, has taken over the leadership of the U.S. Mission as Charge d’Affaires ad interim.
Heffern is expected to oversee the Mission’s affairs pending the appointment of a substantive ambassador by the U.S. government.
The U.S. Mission also commended Mills for his service, describing his tenure as instrumental to advancing U.S.-Nigeria relations and strengthening mutual understanding between both nations.
