ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-Ambassador Richard Mills has formally concluded his tenure as the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, marking his final day at the U.S. Mission.
In a post shared on the U.S. Mission’s X handle on Tuesday, the Mission noted that during his one-and-a-half-year service, Mills played a key role in deepening diplomatic, economic and security relations between the United States and Nigeria.
“His leadership focused on enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, and regional security initiatives, reinforcing the long-standing partnership between the two countries,” the post read.
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With Mills’s exit, the Deputy Chief of Mission, Keith Heffern, has taken over as Charge d’Affaires ad interim and will oversee the U.S. Mission pending the appointment of a new ambassador.
The U.S. Mission expressed appreciation for Mills’s commitment and service, commending his efforts in advancing U.S.–Nigeria relations and fostering stronger mutual understanding between both nations.
The post read, “Ambassador Richard Mills’s last day as U.S. Ambassador to U.S. Mission Nigeria. Ambassador Mills led the U.S. Mission in strengthening our relationship with Nigeria for the last year and a half. Current Deputy Chief of Mission Keith Heffern will serve as Charge d’Affaires, a.i. until further notice.”