The United States Embassy in Nigeria has reassured Nigerians that its visa and passport services will not be disrupted despite the ongoing partial shutdown of the US government.
The clarification came on Wednesday after widespread concerns that the shutdown in Washington could affect student travel plans, visa appointments, and other consular services in Nigeria.
In a notice issued on its official 𝕏 handle, the Embassy said that while its social media accounts would not be updated regularly during the funding lapse, essential consular services would continue.
“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 mission also directed Nigerians to check travel.state.gov for up-to-date information on visa processing, passport applications, and travel-related services.
The shutdown began after US lawmakers and President Donald Trump failed to agree on a budget deal, with the deadlock centred on Democratic demands for healthcare funding, which Republicans opposed.
The development has led several federal departments and agencies in the US to halt operations, except for essential services such as the military, postal service, Social Security, and food stamps.
Trump defended the government closure, claiming it could help eliminate programmes aligned with Democratic priorities.
While assuring applicants that consular operations would proceed, the Embassy urged Nigerians to monitor official platforms for updates, particularly as the shutdown continues.
The announcement is expected to ease concerns among Nigerians seeking visas for study, travel, or business in the United States.
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