US embassy closes in Lagos, Abuja to mark Nigeria’s Democracy Day

The United States mission in Nigeria has temporarily shut operations at its embassy in Abuja and consulate general in Lagos in observance of Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration.

The U.S. Mission announced the development in a notice issued on Friday, stating that both diplomatic offices would remain closed throughout June 12, 2026.

According to the statement, the closure is in recognition of Nigeria’s Democracy Day, which commemorates the country’s democratic journey and honours the heroes of the June 12 struggle.

“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Friday, June 12, 2026, in observance of the Democracy Day holiday,” the mission stated.

The temporary shutdown aligns with the Federal Government’s declaration of June 12 as a national public holiday to mark Democracy Day.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu, in his Democracy Day address to the nation, called on Nigerians to remain optimistic about the country’s future despite prevailing economic and security challenges.

The President urged citizens not to lose faith in the nation’s progress, assuring them that his administration remains committed to addressing the country’s challenges and delivering the dividends of democracy.