The United States Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will pause operations on Monday, January 19, 2026, to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
The U.S. Mission in Nigeria confirmed the scheduled closure on Sunday via its official X handle, stating: “The US Embassy in Abuja and Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Monday, January 19, 2026, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.”
This federal public holiday is observed annually on the third Monday of January in the United States to celebrate the life and legacy of the iconic civil rights leader who championed racial equality and nonviolent activism.
The holiday was formally established on November 2, 1983, when President Ronald Reagan signed the legislation into law, and it was first observed on January 20, 1986, to align with Dr. King’s birthday on January 15.
While this means a temporary suspension of routine services for Nigerians and other residents, the Mission noted that emergency assistance for U.S. citizens will remain accessible through established channels.
Both diplomatic facilities are set to return to their regular schedules on Tuesday, January 20.
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