US Embassy, Consulate Announce Remaining 2026 Public Holiday Closures in Nigeria

The United States Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos have announced their remaining public holiday schedule for 2026, with both diplomatic missions set to close on eight occasions between August and December.

According to the schedule published on the US Embassy and Consulate’s official website, routine consular and public services will be unavailable on the designated dates, although emergency assistance for US citizens will continue throughout the holiday periods.

The first remaining closure will be on Tuesday, August 25, in observance of Eid-El-Maulud, which commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad and is recognised as a public holiday in Nigeria.

The missions will also suspend public services on Monday, September 7, to mark Labour Day in the United States, and again on Thursday, October 1, for Nigeria’s Independence Day.

Another closure is scheduled for Monday, October 12, in observance of Columbus Day in the United States.

In November, the embassy and consulate will close on Wednesday, November 11, for Veterans Day, and on Thursday, November 26, to observe Thanksgiving Day.

The final closures for the year will be on Friday, December 25, for Christmas Day, which is celebrated in both Nigeria and the United States, and Saturday, December 26, for Boxing Day, a recognised public holiday in Nigeria.

The embassy advised visa applicants and individuals seeking passport, notarial or other consular services to plan their appointments around the holiday schedule, noting that regular public services will not be available on the affected dates.

Remaining US Embassy and Consulate Holiday Closures for 2026
Date Day Holiday Observed By
August 25, 2026 Tuesday Eid-El-Maulud Nigeria
September 7, 2026 Monday Labour Day United States
October 1, 2026 Thursday Nigeria Independence Day Nigeria
October 12, 2026 Monday Columbus Day United States
November 11, 2026 Wednesday Veterans Day United States
November 26, 2026 Thursday Thanksgiving Day United States
December 25, 2026 Friday Christmas Day Nigeria & United States
December 26, 2026 Saturday Boxing Day Nigeria