The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria says that it has shut down its visa and consular services section in Abuja until further notice.
The embassy which did not give any reason for the action in message posted on its website said that scheduled visa and American Citizen Services (ACS) applicants for Abuja would be contacted for rescheduling.
“Until further notice, all consular appointments at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja have temporarily ceased for both visa and for American Citizen Services. Consular functions in U.S. Consulate Lagos are not affected and will continue.
“Scheduled visa and ACS applicants for Abuja will be contacted for rescheduling.
“American citizens in northern Nigeria with emergency services needs should continue to contact the after-hours emergency number for Abuja at 09461-4000 and press “0” to go to the operator to request assistance,” the embassy stated.
According to the embassy, American citizens in northern Nigeria with urgent travel needs who are travelling before Tuesday and who are willing to re-schedule their travel through Lagos should contact the ACS office at Consulate Lagos ( 01460 3400 and LagosACS@state.gov) to discuss their options.
“Those travelling after Tuesday should follow up with Abuja ACS to confirm their appointments closer to their appointment date. Please monitor the Facebook and Webpage of the U.S. Embassy for a later announcement of resumed consular operations in Abuja,” the embassy stated