The United States Embassy in Abuja and its Consulate General in Lagos were closed on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in line with Nigeria’s public holiday to honour former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in a London hospital on Sunday, July 13, at the age of 82.
The US Mission confirmed in an announcement on X (formerly Twitter) that all visa interviews scheduled for the day would be postponed, with new dates to be communicated soon. Consular services are expected to resume after the holiday.
The temporary closure reflects the wider national tribute declared by President Bola Tinubu, who ordered a seven-day period of mourning, during which flags across Nigeria are to be flown at half-mast.
Nigeria’s federal government, in honour of the former leader’s service as both a military head of state (1984–1985) and a civilian president (2015–2023), mandated July 15 as a work-free day. The day marked an opportunity for public reflection on Buhari’s anti-corruption campaigns and national security agenda.
The diplomatic missions’ observance highlights the strong ties between the US and Nigeria and acknowledges the significance of Buhari’s legacy at both national and international levels.