Workers’ Day: US Embassy Announces Closure of Its Offices in Lagos and Abuja

Workers’ Day: US Embassy Announces Closure of Its Offices in Lagos and Abuja

  • The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and Consulate General in Lagos were closed on May 1, 2025, in observance of Workers’ Day, a public holiday celebrated in Nigeria
  • Services such as visa processing and consular assistance were temporarily suspended, and operations will resume on May 2, 2025,
  • Workers’ Day in Nigeria is marked with rallies and reflection on labour rights, underscoring its importance in the nation's annual calendar

The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and Consulate General in Lagos were closed on Thursday, May 1, 2025, in observance of Workers’ Day.

The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria announced the closure via their official Twitter handle, @USinNigeria.

Services such as visa processing and consular assistance were temporarily suspended
US embassy in Nigeria provides services to Nigerians and US citizens. Photo credit: USinNigeria/X/AndrewHarnik/GettyImages
Source: Getty Images

Workers' day celebrations across Nigeria

Workers’ Day, also known as International Labour Day, is celebrated annually in Nigeria on May 1. It is a day dedicated to recognising the efforts and contributions of workers nationwide.

The day featured rallies, parades, and events across various states, drawing significant public attention.

Read also

Workers' Day: NNPP chieftain mentions how best to honour Nigerian workers

Embassy operations temporarily suspended

The US embassy’s closure was in keeping with the observance of the public holiday, as diplomatic staff joined in the national celebration.

Services such as visa processing and consular assistance were temporarily suspended. Operations will resume on May 2, 2025, following the holiday.

The announcement reminded individuals planning to visit or seek services at the embassy or consulate to adjust their schedules accordingly during this period.

The message on X read:

"The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Thursday, May 1, 2025, in observance of Workers Day."

See the X post below:

Workers' day significance

Workers’ Day holds significant cultural value in Nigeria’s history, symbolising the fight for fair treatment and labour rights.

The occasion often sees unions and associations reflecting on achievements, challenges, and demanding improved working conditions, making it an integral part of the nation's annual calendar.

Read also

'Plan ahead': 3 public holidays FG will declare in May/June 2025, full list emerges

Activities in US embassy will resume on May 2
Activities in US embassy will resume on May 2 Photo source: USdeptstate/X
Source: UGC

US Embassy in Nigeria

The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria serves as the diplomatic mission of the United States to the country. It is located in Abuja, the capital city, while the Consulate General operates in Lagos, serving as a key centre for visa services and consular assistance.

The embassy plays a significant role in fostering US-Nigeria relations, focusing on areas such as trade, cultural exchange, security cooperation, and development support.

It also provides services to U.S. citizens in Nigeria, ensuring their welfare and addressing their needs. Through its activities, the embassy supports collaboration and mutual understanding between the two nations by facilitating exchange in various sectors.

US embassy in Nigeria warns to visa applicants

Legit.ng earlier reported that the United States Embassy in Nigeria issued a stern warning on March 19, 2025, about the severe repercussions of committing visa fraud.

Read also

Federal govt declares another public holiday for Nigerians

In an official post on X (formerly Twitter), the embassy stated: “Visa fraud has serious consequences. Lying or providing fake documents can lead to permanent visa bans under U.S. immigration law. This means you will never go.”

The post emphasised the uncompromising stance of U.S. immigration authorities on dishonesty during the visa application process.

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Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Basit Jamiu avatar

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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