Updated: US Embassy reschedules visa, citizen services appointments in Abuja over protest fears

The United States Embassy in Abuja has announced the temporary closure of its routine consular services following concerns over potential protests in Nigeria’s capital city.

The Embassy had on Wednesday announced the cancellation of all visa appointments scheduled for Wednesday, March 4.

However, in a notice issued on Thursday, the embassy stated that it would remain closed for routine business until Monday, March 9, 2026, as a precautionary measure.

According to the embassy, several appointments previously scheduled for this week have been rescheduled.

The affected services include visa appointments originally fixed for March 4 and March 5, as well as American Citizen Services (ACS) appointments scheduled for March 5.

The embassy advised visa applicants to check their email addresses or their AVITs accounts for details of their new appointment dates.

“Visa applicants should check their email or AVITs account for their new appointment date,” the notice said.

Similarly, American citizens who had appointments for consular services were asked to check their email for rescheduling information.

The embassy further stated that applicants who do not receive updated appointment notifications should seek assistance through the Visa Navigator platform.

“If you do not see a new appointment, visa applicants should contact us through our Visa Navigator for assistance,” the notice added.

The embassy also urged the public to continue monitoring its official website and social media platforms for further updates regarding consular operations.

The development comes amid heightened concerns about possible protests in Abuja, prompting the diplomatic mission to take precautionary steps to ensure the safety of staff and visitors.

The embassy thanked applicants for their understanding and cooperation while the temporary adjustments remain in effect.

The announcement became necessary after members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shi’ites, staged protests in several states over the killing of Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, during recent US-Israeli strikes on Tehran.

Demonstrators were seen in Lagos, Kano, Niger, Sokoto, Gombe and Kaduna states condemning the joint military action by the US and Israel, which led to Khamenei’s death alongside members of his family.

Similar protests were reported in Bauchi and Yobe states.

The protesters waved Iranian flags, displayed portraits of Khamenei, and carried placards denouncing both the United States and Israel while expressing solidarity with Iran.

The demonstrations followed heightened tensions in the Middle East following coordinated airstrikes by the US and Israel on Iranian targets.

In Nigeria, the Shi’ites have historically expressed solidarity with Iran and its leadership, often organising processions and demonstrations in response to developments involving the Islamic Republic.

Tunji Disu, the inspector-general of police (IGP), has also ordered commissioners of police across the country to heighten security measures in response to the development.