U.S. Embassy, Consulate close temporarily in honour of Buhari, reschedule visa appointments

The United States Mission in Nigeria has announced the temporary closure of its Embassy in Abuja and Consulate General in Lagos on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, as a mark of respect for the late former Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari.

The closure coincides with a national public holiday declared by the Nigerian Federal Government in honour of the former president, who died on Sunday, July 14, in a London hospital following a brief illness.

Buhari, aged 82, is scheduled to be laid to rest today in Daura, Katsina State, with full state honours.

In a statement shared via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, the U.S. Mission confirmed the suspension of all embassy and consular operations scheduled for Tuesday.

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“As a mark of respect for the late former President Muhammadu Buhari and in observance of Nigeria’s declared public holiday, the U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Tuesday, July 15,” the statement read.

The mission further clarified that all consular appointments, including visa interviews initially slated for that day, will be rescheduled. It assured applicants that normal services would resume on Wednesday, July 16.

“We regret any inconvenience caused and appreciate the understanding of our visa applicants and partners. All appointments for July 15 will be rescheduled,” the mission added.

President Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s democratically elected leader from 2015 to 2023 and was also a former military head of state from 1983 to 1985, is being remembered globally for his role in shaping modern Nigerian politics and regional diplomacy.

Diplomatic missions and foreign governments have continued to issue condolence messages, recognizing Buhari’s legacy and expressing solidarity with Nigeria during the national mourning period.