U.S. Says Embassy, Consulate Open To Visa Applicants During Shutdown

The U.S. has said its Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will remain open to visa applicants during the U.S. government shutdown.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Mission said the report making the rounds that the Consular Section were closed was incorrect.

It,however, clarified that while services will be rendered to visa applicants during the period,some sections of the embassy and consulate will remain closed.

“American Centers and EducationUSA offices operating on embassy and consulate grounds that are managed by Mission Public Affairs Sections will remain closed throughout the shutdown,” the statement said.

American Spaces, such as American Corners operated by partner institutions and located off embassy or consulate grounds, such as in the hotels, will also remain open.

The impasse about government shutdown was occasioned by the government of President Donald Trump and the legislative arm being at loggerheads for nearly two months over Trump’s attempt to build a wall along the Mexican border.

However, with the refusal of the Mexican government to fund the wall, the President approached the US legislative, asking the bi-cameral institution to provide $5bn which would be used in funding the wall.

The legislative arm has not given approval for the spending on the wall,leaving the government in a limbo.