The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Nigeria is now more than 40 and continues to grow. In order to slow the spread, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) announced 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. In the embassy community, we are interpreting that to mean that only critical staff should report to work, and that our community members should be at home insofar as they are not working or shopping for essential supplies. 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.
***********************************************
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