The United States Embassy in Nigeria has assured Nigerians that visa and passport services will continue uninterrupted despite the ongoing partial shutdown of the U.S. government.
In a statement released on its official X handle on Wednesday, the embassy explained that while its social media platforms will not be updated regularly until funding is restored, consular services remain unaffected.
“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 clarification comes amid rising concern among Nigerians—particularly students and travelers—who feared the shutdown in Washington could cause delays that might disrupt academic resumption, business engagements, and family visits.
The U.S. government shutdown began after Congress and the President failed to agree on budget appropriations, forcing several federal agencies to suspend operations. While essential services such as the military, postal service, and social welfare programs remain active, hundreds of thousands of federal workers face furloughs until a funding agreement is reached.
The embassy advised Nigerians seeking reliable information on visa and passport services to consult travel.state.gov, where updates on appointments and processing schedules are provided.