The United States Embassy in Abuja has temporarily suspended routine consular services and postponed visa and citizen appointments amid warnings of possible protests in the Nigerian capital.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the embassy said all routine services would remain on hold until Monday, March 9, 2026, as a precautionary measure in light of heightened security concerns.
The suspension affects visa interviews originally scheduled for March 4 and 5, as well as American Citizen Services appointments set for March 5. The embassy confirmed that these appointments have been rescheduled to dates next week.
Applicants were advised to check their email or their AVITS accounts for updated appointment information. “Visa applicants should check their email or AVITS account for their new appointment date,” the embassy said.
“American Citizen Services applicants should also check their email for further information.”
The mission added that anyone who does not receive a new appointment date should contact officials through the Visa Navigator platform for assistance.
The temporary closure follows alerts issued to US citizens in Abuja about the potential for demonstrations linked to escalating tensions surrounding the conflict involving Iran.
Previous protests in the capital have occasionally led to clashes between demonstrators and Nigerian security forces.
While the embassy did not confirm any planned protests, it emphasised that the closure was aimed at reducing risk and ensuring the safety of staff and visitors.
Officials urged the public to monitor the embassy’s website and social media channels for further updates on the situation and for announcements regarding the resumption of normal consular operations.
