The United States Mission in Nigeria has halted visa appointments at its embassy in Abuja.
The mission did not give a reason for the decision but said visa operations will continue at the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos.
The notice, sent on the U.S. Mission Nigeria X handle late on Thursday, directed people who already applied for visas or secured interview appointments in Abuja to check their emails for details on rescheduled appointments.
"U.S. Embassy Abuja is closed for visa appointments," the X post said.
"Applicants should check their email for details on rescheduled appointments.
"Visa operations at U.S. Consulate General Lagos continue. American citizen services are available in emergencies and by appointment."
U.S. Embassy Abuja is closed for visa appointments. Applicants should check their email for details on rescheduled appointments. Visa operations at U.S. Consulate General Lagos continue. American citizen services are available in emergencies and by appointment. pic.twitter.com/BO45qePlRs
— U.S. Mission Nigeria (@USinNigeria) April 9, 2026
The stoppage of visa appointments in Abuja is coming less than 24 hours after a travel advisory from the United States government authorising non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Abuja due to the "deteriorating security situation."
The advisory warned of potential threats to American facilities and affiliated institutions.
In a message shared via its official X account on Wednesday, the American embassy advised heightened caution, citing intelligence about possible risks targeting U.S. interests across the country.
Washington also urged Americans to reconsider travel to Nigeria due to worsening security conditions.
Link to Global Tensions
The alert is unfolding against the backdrop of increasing attacks in Nigeria and heightened global tensions, particularly the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
Some analysts fear that developments in the Middle East have triggered concerns about possible retaliatory actions or protests targeting Western interests in multiple countries, including Nigeria.
