The United States (US) Mission in Nigeria has announced the temporary closure of its embassy in Abuja for routine business and visa appointments, citing potential protests in the nation’s capital.
The embassy previously suspended all visa application appointments scheduled for Wednesday, March 4, 2026, citing a high potential for protests in Abuja amid escalating war between the United States, Israel and Iran.
On Tuesday, members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, popularly known as Shi’ites, staged a peaceful protest in Potiskum and Nguru Local Government Areas of Yobe State, condemning the killing of Khamenei, whom they described as a revered spiritual leader.
Protesters marched through the towns carrying Iranian flags and large portraits of Khamenei, chanting slogans expressing solidarity with Iran and opposition to what they termed foreign interference.
The Embassy, while raising serious concerns that similar demonstrations could occur in Abuja, advised U.S. citizens to avoid protest areas and large gatherings, remain vigilant, and maintain a low profile.
In a notice shared via its official X handle on Thursday, the Mission stated that the embassy will remain closed until Monday, March 9, 2026, urging visa applicants and visitors scheduled for appointments to check their emails for new appointment dates.
The statement reads, “Due to the potential for protests in Abuja, the U.S. Embassy will be closed for routine business until Monday, March 9, 2026.
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“Visa appointments originally scheduled for March 4 and 5, as well as American Citizen Services (ACS) appointments scheduled for March 5, have been rescheduled to next week.”
The statement added, “Visa applicants: Please check your email or AVITs account for your new appointment date.
“ACS applicants: Please check your email for your new appointment date. If you do not see a new appointment, visa applicants should contact us through our Visa Navigator for assistance.”
The embassy further urges applicants to continue monitoring its official website and social media channels for further updates.
TVC News previoulsy reported that the United States Embassy in Nigeria has suspended all visa application appointments scheduled for Wednesday, March 4, 2026, citing a high potential for protests in Abuja amid escalating war between the United States, Israel and Iran.
In a statement posted on its official X handle on Wednesday, the Embassy warned of “Potential Demonstrations” in the Federal Capital Territory. It urged American citizens living in Abuja to remain indoors.
