The United States diplomatic mission in Nigeria has announced the temporary closure of its embassy in Abuja and consulate general in Lagos on Tuesday, July 15, as a mark of respect for former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday.
The decision aligns with the national public holiday declared by the Nigerian government to mourn the former leader, who died in London after a brief illness.
In a statement posted on its official social media account on Monday, the U.S. Mission confirmed that all consular services, including scheduled visa appointments, would be suspended for the day.
The mission assured affected applicants that their appointments would be rescheduled and that normal operations would resume on Wednesday, July 16.
Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2015 to 2023, is set to be buried in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, on Tuesday. The closure of U.S. diplomatic facilities reflects the mission’s acknowledgement of the significance of the day as Nigeria pays its final respects to the former head of state.
The temporary suspension of services may cause minor disruptions for individuals with scheduled appointments, but the U.S. Mission emphasised its commitment to promptly rescheduling affected visa interviews and other consular services.
The gesture also underscores the diplomatic ties between the United States and Nigeria, as well as the respect accorded to Buhari’s legacy.
As Nigeria observes a day of mourning, government offices, businesses, and foreign missions are expected to join in honouring the late president. The U.S. Mission’s decision follows similar actions by other diplomatic posts in the country, highlighting the widespread recognition of Buhari’s impact on Nigeria’s political landscape. Normal operations at the embassy and consulate will resume the following day.
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cc: Daily Post Ng
