The United States Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will remain closed on Friday, July 4, 2025, “in observance of the U.S. Independence Day.”
This was confirmed in a statement released Thursday by the U.S. Mission in Nigeria.
The closure aligns with the annual celebration of the United States’ independence from British rule in 1776—a historic milestone widely commemorated across the U.S. with “patriotic events, fireworks, and public gatherings.”
Announcing the temporary shutdown on its official X handle, the U.S. Mission stated: “The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Friday, July 4, 2025, in observance of the U.S. Independence Day.”
Although the notice did not detail which specific services will be unavailable, “such closures typically halt non-emergency operations,” including visa appointments and passport services, which are expected to resume on Monday, July 7, 2025.
The U.S. Mission in Nigeria—comprising the Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate in Lagos—plays a vital role in promoting “diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties” between both countries.
The Embassy in Abuja, established after Nigeria moved its capital from Lagos to Abuja in 1991, “coordinates high-level diplomacy, security partnerships, and developmental projects.”
Meanwhile, the Lagos Consulate serves as “a critical center for visa issuance, American citizen services, and economic collaboration,” reflecting the city’s importance as Nigeria’s financial powerhouse.
“The embassy’s Independence Day closure is “standard practice for U.S. diplomatic missions worldwide,” signifying America’s ongoing reverence for the ideals of “liberty and democracy” upon which it was founded.
“In Nigeria, such holidays are often used by the U.S. Mission “to reaffirm bilateral cooperation,” with events and public statements emphasizing mutual values like democracy, economic growth, and good governance.
“The Fourth of July marks “the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress in 1776.” Celebrations traditionally include “parades, concerts, barbecues, and spectacular fireworks.”
For embassies abroad, the holiday serves as a platform for “public diplomacy, cultural exchange, and engagement with host nations.”
In years past, the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria has commemorated the day by hosting receptions attended by “government officials, business leaders, and civil society actors,” underscoring “the enduring partnership” between Nigeria and the United States.