By: Sunday Ameh
The United States Embassy in Nigeria has assured Nigerians that visa and passport services will not be disrupted, despite the ongoing partial shutdown of the US government.
In a notice released on Wednesday via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the embassy explained that consular services, including scheduled passport and visa processing, will continue “as the situation permits” during the shutdown.
“Due to the lapse in appropriations, this X account will not be updated regularly until full operations resume, with the exception of urgent safety and security information. At this time, scheduled passport and visa transit services in the United States and at U.S.
Embassies and Consulates overseas will continue during the lapse in appropriations as the situation permits,” the statement read.
The embassy clarified that while social media updates will be limited, urgent safety and security advisories will still be shared.
The development comes amid concerns from Nigerians that the shutdown in Washington could stall visa applications, student travel plans, and other consular services.
The shutdown began after US lawmakers failed to reach a budget agreement with President Donald Trump, forcing several federal departments and agencies to suspend operations. The deadlock stems from disagreements over healthcare funding.
According to the Congressional Budget Office, as many as 750,000 federal workers may be placed on unpaid leave until a funding deal is struck. However, essential services such as the military, postal service, and social welfare programmes like Social Security and food stamps will continue.
This marks the first US government shutdown since the record 35-day closure nearly seven years ago, during Trump’s first term.
Nigerians have been advised to monitor travel.state.gov for up-to-date information on consular services, including visa appointments and passport processing.
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