US Embassy to Close Its Offices in Nigeria Starting from April 18

US Embassy to Close Its Offices in Nigeria Starting from April 18

  • The US Embassy in Nigeria will close its offices on April 18 and April 21 to observe Good Friday and Easter Monday
  • Visa processing and routine appointments will be unavailable during this period, with operations resuming after the Easter weekend
  • In its tradition, the embassy has advised individuals with urgent travel needs to plan accordingly and check official communication channels for updates

According to information on its website, the United States Embassy in Nigeria will close its offices on April 18 and April 21 in observance of Good Friday and Easter Monday, a significant Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

The closure will affect embassy services across the country, with normal operations expected to resume after the holiday period.

The US Embassy announces it will shut its offices in Nigeria on April 18 and April 25 to commemorate Good Friday and Easter Monday.
The US Embassy says it will shut its offices in Nigeria on April 18 and April 25 to commemorate Good Friday and Easter Monday. Photo credit: Andrew Harnik/GettyImages/USinNigeria/X
Source: Getty Images

Easter 2025: US embassy suspends services temporarily

During the closure, consular services—including visa processing and routine appointments—will be temporarily unavailable.

The embassy advised individuals with urgent travel needs to plan accordingly and check for updates via official communication channels.

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US embassy issues public advisory and alternative resources

In its usual tradition, the embassy encouraged applicants to utilise online resources for general inquiries and emergency assistance. It would also reassure the public that services would promptly resume after the Easter weekend, with staff returning to regular duties.

What is Good Friday?

Good Friday is a significant Christian holiday observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

It is a solemn day of reflection, prayer, and fasting for many believers worldwide. The day marks Jesus' sacrifice for humanity’s sins, as described in the New Testament.

Churches hold special services, often featuring readings of the passion, hymns, and moments of silence.

Some traditions include processions and reenactments of Christ’s journey to the cross. While it is a day of mourning, Good Friday also leads to the celebration of Easter, symbolising hope, redemption, and the resurrection of Jesus.

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The US Embassy moves to shut its offices in Nigeria on April 18 and April 25 to commemorate Good Friday and Easter Monday.
The US Embassy informs the public of plans to shut its offices in Nigeria on April 18 and April 25 to commemorate Good Friday and Easter Monday. Photo credit: USinNigeria/X
Source: Twitter

What is the significance of US embassy?

The US Embassy represents the United States government in foreign countries, facilitating diplomatic relations, consular services, and international cooperation.

It provides visa processing, assistance to US citizens abroad, and promotes economic, cultural, and security partnerships.

Embassies also serve as communication hubs between the US and host nations, addressing political, trade, and humanitarian concerns. The US maintains embassies worldwide, ensuring engagement in global affairs while supporting American interests and citizens.

In Nigeria, the US Embassy plays a key role in fostering bilateral relations, offering consular services, and collaborating on security, education, and development initiatives.

See the X post below:

US cancels all visas of an entire African country

Legit.ng earlier reported that the United States revoked all visas issued to South Sudanese passport holders, citing the African nation’s refusal to accept its repatriated citizens.

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Good Friday: UK announces shutdown of offices in Nigeria, “British High Commission will be closed"

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced this decision on April 5, 2025. Rubio added that South Sudanese citizens would also be barred from entering the US at ports of entry.

According to the BBC, Rubio criticised South Sudan’s transitional government for failing to cooperate with repatriation efforts.

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Source: Legit.ng

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Basit Jamiu (Current Affairs and Politics Editor) Basit Jamiu is a journalist with more than five years of experience. He is a current affairs and politics editor at Legit.ng. He holds a bachelor's degree from Ekiti State University (2018). Basit previously worked as a staff writer at Ikeja Bird (2022), Associate Editor at Prime Progress (2022), and Staff Writer at The Movee (2018). He is a 2024 Open Climate Fellow (West Africa), 2023 MTN Media Fellow, OCRP Fellow at ICIR, and Accountability Fellow at CJID. Email: basit.jamiu@corp.legit.ng.

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James Ojo (Copyeditor) James Ojo is a copy editor at Legit.ng. He is an award-winning journalist with a speciality in investigative journalism. He is a fellow of Nigeria Health Watch Prevent Epidemics Journalism Fellowship (2023), WSCIJ Collaborative Media Project (2022), ICIR Health Reporting (2022), YouthHubAfrica’s Basic Education Media Fellowship (2022), Countering the Fake News Epidemic (MacArthur Foundation) 2021, and Tiger Eye Foundation Fellowship. Email: james.ojo@corp.legit.ng