The United States Embassy and United States Consulate General will be closed on Monday, February 16, in observance of Presidents’ Day, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria announced.

In a notice on its official X account, the mission stated that both diplomatic facilities will suspend operations for the federal holiday observed in the United States, with normal services resuming on Tuesday, February 17.

The closure affects routine consular services, including scheduled visa interviews, passport renewals, and notarial services. Applicants with appointments on the holiday are advised to monitor official channels for guidance on rescheduling. Emergency assistance for American citizens will remain available through designated contact lines.

Presidents’ Day, observed annually on the third Monday of February, was originally established to honour George Washington, the United States’ first president, born on February 22, 1732.

Over time, the commemoration expanded to celebrate all U.S. presidents and their contributions to the country’s political institutions and global engagement.

The US mission highlighted that Washington created the first “Badge of Military Merit,” a decoration that later evolved into the Purple Heart, which still bears his image.

Although the holiday’s official federal designation remains Washington’s Birthday, it is widely referred to as Presidents’ Day. The embassy and consulate in Nigeria routinely observe both American and Nigerian public holidays, with closures announced in advance to help applicants plan accordingly.

The Abuja embassy serves as the primary diplomatic channel between Washington and the Nigerian government, while the Lagos consulate handles a large volume of consular services, including immigrant and non-immigrant visas. (The Guardian)

Update news