U.S. Embassy in Abuja and Consulate in Lagos Temporarily Closed to Honor Former President Jimmy Carter

The United States Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos were temporarily closed on Thursday, January 9, 2025, in honor of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100.

The U.S. Mission to Nigeria announced the closure in a statement shared on its official X account on Wednesday. Carter, the 39th President of the United States, served from 1977 to 1981 and was widely recognized for his dedication to peacebuilding, democracy, and human rights. He also authored several books during his lifetime.

The statement praised Carter’s pivotal role in U.S.-Nigeria relations, stating, “We remember former President Jimmy Carter, a tireless advocate for peace, democracy, and human rights. As the first U.S. President to visit Nigeria, he strengthened U.S.-Nigeria relations and supported Nigeria’s democratic process. His legacy continues to inspire us.”

The temporary closure serves as a mark of respect for Carter’s enduring impact on global diplomacy, particularly in strengthening ties between the United States and Nigeria.