Buhari: U.S. Shuts Embassy, Consulate in Nigeria to Honour Late President, Visa Appointments Cancelled

The United States Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in observance of the national holiday declared by the Nigerian government to honour the late former President Muhammadu Buhari. The U.S. Mission in Nigeria announced the temporary closure via its official X account on Monday, confirming that all visa appointments scheduled for that day have been cancelled and will be rescheduled. Affected applicants will receive updated dates in due course. Normal operations are expected to resume once the public holiday concludes.

The Nigerian government declared the day work-free following the passing of Buhari on Sunday, July 13, in London at the age of 82. Buhari served as Nigeria’s president from 2015 to 2023, after an earlier tenure as military head of state from 1983 to 1985. He was known for his anti-corruption efforts and commitment to national security. The U.S. Mission’s closure reflects solidarity with Nigeria during its period of national mourning. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu previously declared a seven-day mourning period, with flags flown at half-mast across the country.