Juneteenth: US Embassy in Nigeria Announces Temporary Closure, Visas on Hold

• The US Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will close on Thursday, June 19, 2025, in honour of Juneteenth
• The closure marks the continued observance of the date, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States
• The American diplomatic mission has advised the public to check official platforms for updates regarding consular services

The United States Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos confirmed they would be closed on Thursday, 19 June 2025, in observance of the US federal Juneteenth holiday.

In a brief statement issued by the diplomatic mission, officials announced that due to the observance of the American holiday, regular services at these offices would be temporarily unavailable.

Juneteenth, officially recognised as a federal holiday in the United States since 2021, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Marked annually on June 19, it holds deep historical and cultural significance, especially among African American communities.

The US Embassy did not provide additional details regarding consular operations or resumption of services. However, such closures typically align with the US government’s official holiday schedule and are announced in advance to inform visa applicants and American citizens residing or travelling in Nigeria.

For updates on services and operations, visitors are encouraged to consult the US Mission Nigeria’s official website and social media channels.

When did US embassy in Nigeria open?

The history of U.S. embassies dates back to the late 18th century, when the United States began establishing formal diplomatic ties with other nations.

The first overseas mission was set up in Paris in 1779 by Benjamin Franklin, followed by the first embassy in The Hague, Netherlands, in 1782. Over time, the US expanded its diplomatic footprint, and by 2025, it maintained over 270 embassies, consulates, and missions worldwide.

These embassies serve as vital hubs for diplomacy, trade, cultural exchange, and consular services, reflecting the United States’ evolving global influence and commitment to international cooperation.

In Nigeria, the US Embassy was officially established on 1 October 1960 - the very day Nigeria gained independence from the United Kingdom. The first chancery was located in Lagos, and Joseph Palmer was appointed as the first US Ambassador.

In 2000, the embassy relocated to Abuja, the new capital, while a consulate remained in Lagos. Over the decades, the US diplomatic mission in Nigeria has played a key role in strengthening bilateral relations, supporting democratic governance, promoting economic development, and enhancing regional security.

The embassy also facilitates educational and cultural exchanges, including the Fulbright Program and other initiatives aimed at deepening mutual understanding between both nations.

The X post regarding the Juneteenth closures is below:

US embassy moves to new service provider

Legit.ng earlier reported that the United States Mission in Nigeria had confirmed a new service provider for Nigerians.

The announcement which was made public on X, stating that applicants could apply for their visas as well as book appointments.

Other services include the payment of visa application fees and account creation, with Nigerians urged to visit the new website.

Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng