U.S. shuts Abuja Embassy, Lagos Consulate Office

The United States Government has announced the temporary closure of its diplomatic missions in Nigeria, as the U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will suspend operations for three days in observance of the Christmas holidays.

In a statement released on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria disclosed that both diplomatic offices will be closed from Wednesday, December 24, through Friday, December 26, 2025.

According to the announcement, normal consular and administrative services at the Abuja Embassy and the Lagos Consulate will resume on Monday, December 29, 2025.

“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Wednesday, December 24 through Friday, December 26, 2025. We will resume normal work operations on Monday, December 29, 2025,” the statement read.

The temporary closure will affect routine consular services, including visa processing and other non-emergency services. However, the U.S. Mission is expected to maintain emergency assistance for U.S. citizens in line with standard diplomatic practice during public holidays.

The Christmas holiday observance aligns with global practices across U.S. diplomatic missions worldwide, as embassies and consulates often shut down operations to mark major national and religious holidays.

Members of the public with urgent matters have been advised to plan ahead and await the resumption of services when the offices reopen next week.