The United States Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will temporarily close on Monday, February 17, 2025, to commemorate Presidents’ Day, a US public holiday.
The diplomatic mission, in a statement posted on X on Sunday, confirmed the closure and assured the public that normal operations would resume the following day.
The statement reads: “The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Monday, February 17, 2025, in observance of Presidents’ Day.
“We will resume normal operations on Tuesday, 18 February 2025.”
During the closure, emergency services will be available through designated contact channels, while routine consular services will resume after the holiday.
Individuals seeking US visas or consular assistance are advised to schedule their visits accordingly, taking into account the temporary closure.
The U.S. observes Presidents’ Day annually on the third Monday of February to honour past and present leaders of the nation.
Originally established in 1885, the holiday was created to honour the birthday of George Washington, the first President of the United States.
At that time, it was known as Washington’s Birthday and was celebrated on February 22, his actual birthday.
Over time, the holiday evolved to include all U.S. presidents, past and present.
This shift began in the late 1960s with the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which aimed to create more three-day weekends for American workers.
Many Americans celebrate by visiting historical sites, attending patriotic events, or simply enjoying a long weekend.
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