The United States Embassy in Nigeria has assured that visa and passport services will not be disrupted despite the partial shutdown of the U.S. government.
The clarification comes after growing concern among Nigerians that the budget standoff in Washington could affect visa applications, student travel plans, and other consular services.
In a statement issued via its official X handle on Wednesday, the Embassy said:
“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 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 Embassy also noted that while social media updates will be limited, critical information regarding security and safety will still be shared.
The shutdown, which began after U.S. lawmakers and President Donald Trump failed to reach a funding agreement, is tied to a dispute over Democratic demands for expanded health care funding, opposed by Republicans.
As a result, several U.S. federal departments and agencies have suspended operations, except for essential services such as the military, postal service, Social Security, and food stamps.
