The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and Consulate General in Lagos will temporarily close their doors on Friday, July 4, 2025, in observance of the United States’ Independence Day.
This closure was officially announced by the U.S. Mission in Nigeria in a statement released on Thursday.
This means that routine services such as visa processing and passport renewals will be suspended for the day.
However, emergency consular services will remain available through official contact channels.
“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Friday, July 4, 2025, in observance of the U.S.
Independence Day,” the statement posted on its X (formerly Twitter) handle read.
This annual holiday celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, marking America’s break from British rule.
It is widely observed in the United States with fireworks, patriotic events, and community gatherings.
In Nigeria, this brief closure may affect individuals with scheduled appointments.
Although the U.S. Mission did not specify which services would pause, such holidays usually halt non-urgent operations.
Visa interviews and passport processing are expected to resume on Monday, July 7, 2025.
The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria is central in strengthening ties between Nigeria and the United States.
The embassy in Abuja handles political affairs, development programs, and diplomatic engagements, while the Lagos consulate focuses on trade, visas, and citizen services.
Furthermore, the July 4th closure is consistent with U.S. embassies around the world, which observe national holidays as a mark of respect and tradition. In previous years, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria has hosted Independence Day receptions, attended by top Nigerian officials, diplomats, and civil society groups.
Such events have helped to reinforce shared democratic values, encourage economic cooperation, and promote cultural exchange between both nations.
According to the statement, “The Fourth of July marks the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress in 1776,” and it remains a symbol of liberty and democratic principles.
Moreover, past U.S. Embassy events have included parades, cultural programs, and public addresses celebrating mutual respect and cooperation.
In other words, anyone with urgent travel needs or emergencies is encouraged to contact the embassy or consulate through designated emergency lines.
