US Embassy Reschedules Visa Appointments Amid Buhari Commemoration

US Embassy Reschedules Visa Appointments Amid Buhari Commemoration

  • In recognition of a national holiday honouring the late Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari, the United States Embassy in Abuja and Consulate General in Lagos were closed on 15 July 2025
  • All visa appointments originally scheduled for that day have been rescheduled, as confirmed by the embassy on X
  • The diplomatic missions cited the Nigerian government’s official declaration as the reason for the temporary closure

The United States Embassy in Abuja, alongside the Consulate General in Lagos, announced via its official X (formerly Twitter) account on 14 July that both missions will suspend operations on Tuesday, 15 July 2025.

The closure was said to be in observance of the public holiday declared by the Nigerian government to honour the late former president Muhammadu Buhari.

The US Embassy in Abuja and Consulate General in Lagos will close on 15 July 2025, citing Nigeria’s public holiday for Muhammadu Buhari.
US diplomatic missions in Nigeria reschedules visa appointments in observance of Buhari memorial holiday. Photo credit: MBuhari/X
Source: Twitter

The embassy stated:

“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in observance of the public holiday declared by the Nigerian government in honor of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari. All visa appointments slated for July, 15 2025, will be rescheduled.”

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The announcement is expected to affect consular services, including visa interviews, for the day. Individuals with scheduled appointments on 15 July were advised to await further guidance on their rescheduling.

This diplomatic adjustment highlights the significance of the late president’s legacy and the Nigerian government’s tribute through a nationwide observance.

Officials from the US Mission added that routine operations are projected to resume once the public holiday concludes.

See the X post below:

Buhari’s passing and legacy

Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari passed away on 13 July 2025 at a London hospital, aged 82, following a prolonged illness. His death marked the end of a political era that spanned over five decades, during which he served as both a military ruler and a democratically elected leader.

Buhari was remembered as a figure of discipline, integrity, and national service. Tributes poured in from across Nigeria and the international community, with leaders describing him as a patriot who gave his all to the country.

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The Northern Elders Forum called him a “towering figure in Nigeria’s political and historical landscape,” while the UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed praised his steadfast patriotism and enduring legacy beyond Nigeria’s borders .

His tenure was marked by a strong anti-corruption stance, a commitment to national unity, and efforts to combat insecurity. However, his leadership also drew criticism for economic missteps and human rights concerns. Despite mixed public perception, Buhari retained a loyal support base, particularly in northern Nigeria, and was widely regarded as incorruptible.

As Nigeria mourns, many reflect on his legacy of principled leadership and the lessons his life offers for future generations. His passing has prompted a national moment of reflection and tribute.

Nigeria marks the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari with a nationwide holiday, prompting US Embassy closures.
Nigeria marks the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari with a nationwide holiday, prompting US Embassy closures. Photo credit: MBuhari/X
Source: Twitter

Presidency reacts to Buhari’s passing

Legit.ng earlier reported that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced on Sunday the death of former Nigerian leader, Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London at approximately 4:30 pm, following a prolonged illness.

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The sombre news was delivered through Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on Information and Strategy, in an official statement dated 13 June 2025.

According to the announcement, President Tinubu personally spoke with Mrs Aishat Buhari, widow of the late president, to extend his heartfelt condolences.

Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Basit Jamiu avatar

Basit Jamiu (Current Affairs and Politics Editor) Basit Jamiu is a journalist with more than five years of experience. He is a current affairs and politics editor at Legit.ng. He holds a bachelor's degree from Ekiti State University (2018). Basit previously worked as a staff writer at Ikeja Bird (2022), Associate Editor at Prime Progress (2022), and Staff Writer at The Movee (2018). He is a 2024 Open Climate Fellow (West Africa), 2023 MTN Media Fellow, OCRP Fellow at ICIR, and Accountability Fellow at CJID. Email: basit.jamiu@corp.legit.ng.

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