US Embassy Suspends Abuja Visa Appointments Over Security Concerns

The United States Embassy in Nigeria has suspended visa appointments in Abuja following heightened security concerns, a move that has disrupted travel plans for hundreds of applicants in Abuja.

In an official notice released via its communication channels, the embassy confirmed that all visa interviews in Abuja have been cancelled until further notice, urging affected applicants to check their emails for updates on rescheduled appointments.

“U.S. Embassy Abuja is closed for visa appointments. Applicants should check their email for details on rescheduled appointments,” the statement read. It added that visa services in Lagos remain operational at the United States Consulate General Lagos, providing an alternative for applicants who can access the facility.

The embassy further clarified that American citizen services in Abuja will continue only in emergency situations and strictly by appointment, indicating a temporary scale-down of operations in the capital.

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The suspension follows a recent directive by the United States Department of State authorising the departure of non-essential staff and their families from Abuja, citing a deteriorating security situation in Nigeria.

An updated U.S. travel advisory has also placed Nigeria under a “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” status, warning of persistent threats including terrorism, kidnapping, crime, and civil unrest. Several states have been categorised under the stricter “Level 4: Do Not Travel” advisory due to high-risk security conditions.

States listed include Borno State, Yobe State, Taraba State, Niger State, Plateau State, and parts of Adamawa State, where threats linked to terrorism and kidnapping remain high. Other states such as Kaduna State, Katsina State, Zamfara State, and Sokoto State were also flagged over insecurity concerns.

The advisory has triggered reactions from the Federal Government of Nigeria, which described the assessment as “unbalanced” and not fully reflective of ongoing efforts to address insecurity nationwide. Authorities warned that such reports could negatively impact Nigeria’s global image and economic activities.

Despite the disruption in Abuja, visa processing and consular services continue in Lagos, offering a temporary alternative for applicants. However, the development is expected to cause delays in visa processing, particularly for students, business travellers, and individuals with urgent travel needs.

The US Embassy visa suspension in Abuja highlights the broader impact of security challenges on diplomatic operations and international travel, as uncertainty remains over when normal services will resume in the capital.

US Embassy Suspends Abuja Visa Appointments Over Security Concerns

Yemi Osinbajo Appointed Senior Strategic Adviser to Africa CDC

Former Nigerian Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has been appointed as Senior Strategic Adviser to the Director-General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), as the agency pushes forward the continent’s Africa Health Security and Sovereignty (AHSS) agenda.

The appointment, announced on Monday, comes at a critical time as Africa CDC seeks to enhance health systems, boost domestic financing, expand local production of medical supplies, and strengthen Africa’s influence in global health governance. In this role, Osinbajo will provide strategic guidance on pandemic preparedness, sustainable healthcare financing, policy direction, and continental collaboration.

Director-General Jean Kaseya praised Osinbajo’s wealth of experience, highlighting his expertise at the intersection of governance, finance, law, and diplomacy. “At a time when Africa must act with greater authority on the future of health, his leadership will be invaluable,” Kaseya said. He added that Osinbajo’s appointment reflects Africa CDC’s commitment to mobilising top African leadership in service of the continent’s health security and development.

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Osinbajo served as Nigeria’s Vice-President from 2015 to 2023, during which he chaired the Economic Sustainability Committee, contributed to reforms enhancing the ease of doing business, and played a key role in implementing Nigeria’s social investment programmes. Earlier, he was Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State from 1999 to 2007. His legal and governance background positions him to offer critical insights on health policy, regulatory frameworks, and strategic partnerships.

The AHSS agenda, which Osinbajo will help drive, seeks to strengthen Africa’s self-reliance in health, improve disease surveillance, and foster regional collaboration to respond more effectively to pandemics and other public health emergencies. Experts say his advisory role will be crucial in promoting local production of vaccines and medical equipment, ensuring Africa can meet its own health needs while influencing global health decisions.

Africa CDC, operating under the African Union, aims to support member states in building resilient health systems capable of confronting future outbreaks and public health crises. Osinbajo’s appointment is expected to further amplify Africa’s voice in global health while ensuring sustainable health development across the continent.

Yemi Osinbajo Appointed Senior Strategic Adviser to Africa CDC

Iran Lists Tough Conditions for Peace Talks with US

By Agency Report

Iran has outlined a set of strict preconditions for engaging in negotiations with the United States aimed at achieving a lasting peace, signalling a hardening of its stance amid ongoing hostilities in the Middle East.

According to a senior Iranian official who spoke to Reuters, Tehran is insisting on an immediate halt to U.S. military strikes, alongside firm guarantees that such attacks will not be repeated, as a prerequisite for any talks.

The official also disclosed that Iran is demanding compensation for damages suffered during the conflict, underscoring the country’s position that any future negotiations must address the consequences of the ongoing war.

In a further indication of its firm posture, Iran has rejected proposals for a temporary ceasefire, maintaining that only a comprehensive and permanent peace agreement would be acceptable.

Tehran is also pushing for new arrangements regarding the strategic Strait of Hormuz, including the right to impose transit fees on vessels passing through the vital global oil shipping route. The proposed fees, according to the official, would vary depending on the type of vessel, its cargo, and prevailing conditions.

The development comes amid intensified diplomatic efforts led by regional mediators, including Pakistan, to broker a ceasefire between the two sides. A U.S.-backed proposal for a 45-day truce has reportedly been put forward as a stepping stone toward broader negotiations, though Tehran has dismissed the idea as insufficient.

Tensions between the two countries remain high, with both sides holding firm to their positions. Analysts say Iran’s demands reflect a broader strategy to secure long-term guarantees and reshape the terms of engagement in the region, rather than accept short-term de-escalation measures.

With neither side showing signs of compromise, prospects for immediate negotiations appear uncertain, raising concerns about further escalation and its implications for global security and energy markets.

Iran Lists Tough Conditions for Peace Talks with US