The United States embassy and consulate in Nigeria have resumed full operations following the end of the 43-day US government shutdown, the longest in the country’s history.
Embassies and consulates around the world, including those in Nigeria, scaled back public communication after the shutdown began on 1 October. At the time, US missions said they would only share urgent safety and security information until normal activities could resume.
The shutdown ended on Wednesday after President Donald Trump signed a spending bill passed by Congress. The House of Representatives approved the measure by 222 votes to 209, two days after the Senate narrowly endorsed the same package.
In a statement issued on Friday, the US embassy in Nigeria confirmed that routine services had restarted.
“American citizen services and visa services are proceeding as scheduled,” the embassy said, advising applicants that full operations had been restored.
However, the funding bill is temporary and will only keep the US government open until 30 January. Lawmakers must negotiate a longer-term agreement before that date, raising the possibility of another shutdown if Democrats and Republicans fail to reach a compromise.
The previous shutdown disrupted several government departments and delayed services for millions of people in the United States and abroad.