US Shutdown: Visa, Passport Services Uninterrupted in Nigeria – Embassy

The United States Embassy in Nigeria has reassured Nigerians that visa and passport services will remain operational despite the ongoing partial shutdown of the U.S. government.

In a statement released on its official X handle on Wednesday, the embassy clarified that consular services, including visa processing and passport issuance, will continue as scheduled. However, its social media platforms will see limited updates until full government operations resume, except in cases of urgent safety and security announcements.

“At this time, scheduled passport and visa services in the United States and at U.S. Embassies and Consulates overseas will continue during the lapse in appropriations, as the situation permits,” the embassy noted.

The clarification comes amid rising concerns from Nigerians, especially students and travelers, who feared their plans could be disrupted by the shutdown in Washington.

The budget impasse, which has forced several federal departments in the U.S. to halt operations, stems from disagreements between lawmakers and President Donald Trump over Democratic demands for increased healthcare funding — a position strongly opposed by Republicans.

While Trump has defended the shutdown as a way to curb Democratic-led programs, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that up to 750,000 federal workers could face unpaid furloughs daily until a funding deal is reached.

Despite the closure, essential U.S. services such as the military, postal service, Social Security, and food stamps will remain active.

This shutdown is the first since the historic 35-day closure nearly seven years ago during Trump’s first term. Since 1976, when the modern budget process began, the U.S. has experienced 21 shutdowns triggered by spending bill deadlocks.

UTVAfrica News