By Ayomide Otitoju
Despite the partial shutdown of the US government, the United States Embassy in Nigeria confirmed on Wednesday that visa and passport services will continue.
The announcement follows concerns from Nigerians that the shutdown in Washington could disrupt visa processing, student travel plans, and other consular services.
In a notice via its official X account, the embassy stated: “Scheduled passport and visa transit services in the United States and at U.S. Embassies and Consulates overseas will continue during the lapse in appropriations as the situation permits.” It added that social media updates would be limited to urgent safety and security information until government funding is restored.
The shutdown, triggered by a budgetary impasse over Democratic demands for healthcare funding, began after lawmakers and President Donald Trump failed to reach a budget agreement. Several federal departments and agencies have halted operations, though essential services such as the military, postal service, and social welfare programs, including Social Security and food stamps, remain unaffected.
President Trump defended the shutdown as an opportunity to reduce programs linked to Democratic priorities.
