The United States Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria have announced the full resumption of operations following the end of the U.S. federal government’s “lapse of appropriations,” which had disrupted several government functions worldwide.
In a public notice, the mission stated:
“End of Lapse of Appropriations.
“U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria have resumed full operations. American citizen services and visa services are proceeding as scheduled.”
US Government Shutdown
A “lapse of appropriations” occurs when Congress fails to pass funding bills or a temporary continuing resolution before the start of a new fiscal year. This year, lawmakers in Washington did not meet the October 1 deadline, triggering the 2025 U.S. federal government shutdown.
During the funding gap:
-
Hundreds of thousands of federal workers were furloughed or worked without pay.
-
Agencies halted or scaled back non-essential services.
-
Economic pressure mounted, with Reuters estimating the shutdown could cost the U.S. economy up to $14 billion.
-
States and international partners, including diplomatic missions abroad, began feeling operational strain.
The shutdown also became a flashpoint in Washington, with agencies issuing contingency guidance and unions urging Congress to pass a “clean” stopgap bill to restore operations.
Though U.S. embassies abroad often continue limited essential services, visa processing and routine consular operations can be affected depending on staffing and funding availability.
The Embassy’s latest notice confirms that:
-
All consular services—non-immigrant visas, immigrant visas, and ACS—are now operating fully.
-
Applicants can proceed with previously scheduled appointments.
-
American citizens in Nigeria can access the full range of support services without disruption.
