Christmas Break: US Closes Abuja Embassy, Lagos Consulate
- The US has announced the closure of its Abuja Embassy and Consulate General in Lagos in celebration of the 2025 Christmas season
- According to the US Mission in Nigeria, the two offices will be closed from Wednesday, December 23, until Monday, December 29
- The announcement got different reactions from Nigerians, amid news of an incentive for any individuals in the US who 'self-deport'
The United States has announced the closure of its embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos in celebration of the Christmas season.
This was announced by the US Mission in Nigeria on its social media page on Tuesday, December 23, 2025.
The two offices will be closed from Wednesday, December 23, through Friday, December 26, and will reopen on Monday, December 29.
Source: Twitter
The statement reads:
"The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Wednesday, December 23, through Friday, December 26, 2025. We will resume normal work operations on Monday, December 29, 2025."
US offers $3,000 'incentive' for self-deporting migrants
This came as the US government offered a $3,000 incentive to migrants who chose to voluntarily 'self-deport' from the country.
President Donald Trump’s administration tripled its stipend offer to illegal migrants to leave the country willingly.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said the stipend would be given to illegal migrants who sign up to leave the US by the end of the year, and added that the offer would include a free flight back to their home countries.
The US policy on immigration has also affected Nigeria, as the country was part of those banned from entering America in the latest ban on foreigners.
The full statement, as posted on X, is below:
Nigerians speak on the US ban
The development has formed the basis of Nigerians' reaction to the holiday break announcement by the US Mission in Nigeria.
Below are some of their reactions:
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Tabuko posited:
"But what's the normal work gan gan? I thought they said you ain't gonna be issuing Visas to Nigerians anymore.... Make me understand the new Law, please. Thanks."
Source: Getty Images
Jerry questioned:
"What will the embassy be resuming to? I mean, for what purpose is their resumption? Given the recent ban/suspension on Nigeria. Will it just be attending to US citizens in Nigeria? Genuinely curious."
Jagaban said:
"You guys don’t give visas anymore, so even if Una go holiday forever, what is the point? I hope Nyamuris are happy now and Christian’s can get a visa to the US!"
Onyekachi wrote:
"I think they have banned Nigeria from entering the USA. It's well, sha. When the time comes. I know I will travel to the USA by God's grace. I love that country for visit."
FG acts Trump plans to deport Nigerians
Legit.ng recently reported that the Nigerian Federal Government said it was ready to welcome deported Nigerians from the USA.
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President Bola Tinubu's administration has already set up an inter-agency committee for deportees amid Donald Trump's crackdown.
This update was confirmed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the Director of Media and Corporate Affairs of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
