US Shutdown: Embassy Assures Visa, Passport Services To Continue In Nigeria
The United States Embassy in Nigeria has assured that visa and passport services will not be disrupted despite the ongoing partial shutdown of the US government.
In a notice posted on its official X account on Wednesday, the embassy explained that consular operations would continue “as the situation permits,” even though its social media platforms will not be updated regularly until full funding is restored.
It stated, “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.”
The announcement came amid growing concerns among Nigerians that the shutdown in Washington could affect visa processing, student travel plans and other consular services.
The shutdown followed a breakdown in negotiations between President Donald Trump and US lawmakers over a spending deal. The dispute, which centres on Democratic demands for more health care funding opposed by Republicans, has forced several federal agencies to suspend operations.
Trump has defended the shutdown, insisting it could help him cut programmes tied to Democrats’ priorities.
While essential services such as the military, postal service and social welfare schemes like Social Security will not be affected, about 750,000 federal workers could be sent home daily without pay until Congress reaches a funding agreement, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
This is the first shutdown since the record 35-day closure nearly seven years ago during Trump’s first term. Since 1976, the US has experienced 21 shutdowns whenever Congress and the President failed to agree on a budget.
The embassy advised Nigerians seeking updates on visa appointments and passport processing to visit travel.state.gov.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
