The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Nigeria is now 46 and continues to grow. To take further action to slow the spread, the Lagos State government announced that all markets, stores, courts, gyms, and public parks will be closed for seven days at this time. This is in addition to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) announcement that all airports in Nigeria will be closed to international flights, except emergency flights, for a period of one month, effective from midnight on March 23rd.
Since this announcement, many American citizens have expressed concern and have stated their desire to return to the United States. The U.S. Mission in Nigeria has heard these concerns and has been working to find appropriate solutions for American citizens who wish to return to the United States. Keeping American citizens safe and secure is always our number one priority.
The Nigerian government has indicated that it will allow evacuation flights for foreign nationals. While evacuation flights for U.S. citizens have not yet been finalized, the U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos are actively pursuing options for those American citizens who wish to return to the United States. We will share this information as soon as it is available via our Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
On March 24, Nigeria announced “stay at homes” for civil servants of Abuja and Lagos, similar to measures that have been invoked in parts of the United States. While the embassy and consulate remain open for emergency services, only critical staff are reporting, minimizing our resources and service. We have canceled many standard American Citizen Services appointments, but we are accepting emergency appointment requests emailed to LagosACS@state.gov and AbujaACS@state.gov.
Remember that there are steps each of us can take to keep ourselves and our communities safe – practice social distancing, wash hands thoroughly and often, and avoid touching your face. More information, from symptoms to prevention techniques, can be found on the Center for Disease Control’s website here.
These are trying and unprecedented times. As you await further information, remember to stay calm and rest assured that our commitment to American citizens in Nigeria remains unwavering. We will get through this, as we always do.
For all of the latest updates, including notices on evacuations, be sure to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), check the U.S. Mission in Nigeria website here, and follow our official pages on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
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How to Contact Us:
- U.S. Embassy Abuja, Nigeria
Plot 1075 Diplomatic Drive, Central District Area
+234 (9) 461-4000 during business; after hours press zero
AbujaACS@state.gov - U.S. Consulate Lagos
2 Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island
+234 (1) 460-3400 during business hours and after-hours
LagosACS@state.gov - State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444 - Nigeria Country Information
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.
- Follow us on Twitter and Facebook