Ambassador Richard Mills has officially completed his assignment as the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, marking his last day at the U.S. Mission.

According to a post on U.S Mission’s X handle on Tuesday, during his year-and-a-half tenure, Mills played a pivotal role in strengthening diplomatic, economic, and security ties 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.

Following Mills’s departure, Keith Heffern, the current Deputy Chief of Mission, has assumed the role of Charge d’Affaires ad interim and will lead the U.S. Mission until a new ambassador is appointed.

The U.S. Mission expressed gratitude for Ambassador Mills’s dedication and service, highlighting his contributions to advancing U.S.-Nigeria relations and promoting mutual understanding between the two 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.” (PUNCH)