The United States Embassy in Nigeria has clarified its earlier statement about the closure of a section (American Centres) of the embassy owing to the ongoing government shutdown in the country.
The embassy in a statement on its Facebook page said: “Due to the current US government shutdown, the American centres located in the embassy, Abuja and Consulate-General, Lagos are unfortunately closed. They will re-open once the US government shutdown is resolved. Sorry for any inconvenience to our valued patrons.”
Recall that there had been reports that the shutdown might as well affect consular services in both the embassy (Abuja) and Consulate General (Lagos).
However, the embassy, in a response on Wednesday to the publication said reports in the Nigerian media misrepresented its statement on closure of American Centers.
The embassy clarified further that the the American Centers that operates libraries and other information services within its consulates in Lagos and Abuja would remain closed.
“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will remain open during the U.S. government shutdown. This includes the Consular Sections. Prior reports to the contrary were incorrect.
“American Centers and Education USA offices operating on embassy and consulate grounds that are managed by Mission Public Affairs Sections will remain closed throughout the shutdown. American Spaces, such as American Corners operated by partner institutions and located off embassy or consulate grounds, however, will remain open,” the embassy said.
The ongoing U.S. government shutdown was based on a decision taken by President Donald Trump to get the U.S. Congress to approve money for his proposed border wall between the U.S. and Mexico.
The Democratic Party-controlled House of Representatives has expressed unwillingness to approve any money for such border wall. However, President Trump on Wednesday invited bypartisan leaders of the parliament to a meeting over the issue.