Despite the partial shutdown by the United States government, the US Embassy in Nigeria assured on Wednesday that it would continue to provide visa and passport services.
The announcement followed growing concerns among Nigerians that the shutdown in Washington might disrupt visa processing, student travel plans, and other consular operations.
“Due to the lapse in appropriations, this X account will not be updated regularly until full operations resume, except for urgent safety and security information.
“At present, scheduled passport and visa services in the United States and at US Embassies and Consulates abroad will continue during the lapse in appropriations, as circumstances allow,” the embassy stated in a notice issued on its official X handle.
It further explained that its social media accounts would not receive regular updates until government funding is restored, except for essential safety and security messages.
The shutdown began after US lawmakers and President Donald Trump failed to reach a budget agreement, with the dispute centred on Democratic demands for healthcare funding, which Republicans opposed.
As a result, several federal departments and agencies have halted operations, except for essential services such as the military, postal services, and social welfare programmes like Social Security and food stamps.
Defending the shutdown, Trump argued that it could help him eliminate programmes linked to Democratic priorities.
The embassy advised Nigerians to visit travel.state.gov for the latest information on consular services, including visa appointments and passport processing.
