U.S. embassy suspends Abuja services for ‘reasons beyond control’

The United States Embassy has temporarily suspended consular services at its Abuja office.A statement by its public affairs section said: “Due to reasons beyond our control, we are temporarily unable to provide regular services for visa and American citizen services in Abuja but other offices within the embassy remain open.”

It, however, noted: “Consular functions at the U.S. Consulate Lagos are not affected by the temporary closure and will continue.” “Until further notice, the embassy encourages applicants to contact the consular office in Lagos for immediate emergency travel and advises them to monitor the Facebook and webpage of the U.S. embassy for updates on consular operations.

“Scheduled visa and ACS applicants for Abuja will be contacted for rescheduling. American citizens in northern Nigeria with emergency services needs should contact the after-hours emergency number for Abuja at 09461-4000 and press “0” to go to the operator to request assistance.

“American citizens in northern Nigeria with urgent travel needs who are travelling before Eid-el-Kabir and who are willing to re-schedule their travel through Lagos should contact the ACS office at Consulate Lagos (01460 3600 and LagosACS@state.gov) to discuss their options. Those travelling after August 23 should follow up with AbujaACS@state.gov to confirm their appointments closer to their appointment date.”The embassy regretted the inconvenience this has caused its applicants in Abuja and expressed hope that operations would resume after the Eid-El-Kabir holidays.