US embassy in closed down temporarily after Tillerson's visit to Nigeria

The US embassy in Abuja, Nigeria was temporarily closed down on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, hours after US Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson visited Nigeria.

In a tweet, the US embassy announced to all US citizens living in Nigeria that the consulate will be temporarily closed as passport renewals and fees have been changed.

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A statement by the embassy on Monday, March 12, 2018 on its website, stated that "The consular section of the U.S. Embassy in Abuja will be temporarily closed on Tuesday, March 13. We regret that you will not be able to pick up your passports or social security checks on that day."

The embassy also announced changes in passport fees.

"Please note that fees for some passport applications will increase next month. Starting on April 2, the passport “execution fee” will become $35, an increase from the current $25 fee.

"The passport execution fee covers the cost of identity verification and document review. Most adult passport renewals in Nigeria do not require an execution fee.

"All fees are paid inside the Consular Section on the day of your interview," the embassy made known.

The US Secretary of State was in Nigeria for a brief visit during his week long tour of Africa which kicked off on March 8, 2018.