Despite the raging political deadlock in Washington that triggered a partial shutdown of the United States government, the US Embassy in Nigeria on Wednesday sought to calm growing fears among Nigerians, assuring that visa and passport services would not be disrupted.
The reassurance, however, has done little to douse concerns, especially among students, business travellers, and families with pending applications who worry that the uncertainty in Washington could ultimately spill over to consular operations in Abuja and Lagos.
In a notice posted on its official X handle, the Embassy admitted that the shutdown, which has paralysed several federal departments and agencies, would affect its routine communication.
“Due to the lapse in appropriations, this X account will not be updated regularly until full operations resume, except for urgent safety and security information,” the statement read.
It added that “scheduled passport and visa services in the United States and at US Embassies and Consulates overseas will continue during the lapse in appropriations as the situation permits.”
Critics argue that the caveat “as the situation permits” leaves room for sudden disruption, especially if the political standoff in Washington persists. Education consultants also expressed concern.
Mrs Brenda Adeyemi, who runs an Abuja-based overseas education advisory, warned that the uncertainty could disrupt academic calendars.
“A single missed appointment could mean a student defers an entire year. The Embassy’s statement is good for now, but if the shutdown drags into weeks, Nigeria will feel the impact heavily.”
Business travellers share similar fears. Alhaji Musa Alkali, an exporter, lamented, “I have a conference in Atlanta in two weeks. Even if my visa is processed, I’m not sure if passport delivery will be smooth. We are basically at the mercy of American politics.”
The shutdown, rooted in a bitter partisan fight over Democratic healthcare funding demands opposed by Republicans, has further deepened political divisions in America.
President Donald Trump, while defending the closure, argued it was a necessary tactic to cut off programmes aligned with his opponents’ priorities.
For now, essential services such as the military, postal operations, and social welfare schemes like Social Security and food stamps remain exempt.
However, analysts caution that if the deadlock persists, ripple effects could undermine diplomatic missions abroad, with Nigeria, one of the countries with the highest number of visa-seeking nationals, bearing the brunt.
The Embassy advised Nigerians to visit travel.state.gov for updates on consular appointments and passport processing.
