US Embassy, Consulate in Nigeria Shut for Presidents’ Day

The United States Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026, in observance of Presidents’ Day.

The mission announced the closure in a notice shared on its official X page on Sunday.

According to the embassy, Presidents’ Day was originally established to honour the birthday of George Washington, the first President of the United States. Over time, it has evolved into a day dedicated to celebrating all U.S. presidents and their leadership in shaping the nation’s history.

The embassy noted that the holiday also recognises the influence of U.S. presidents on global affairs.

In a related message, the mission highlighted that Washington created the first “Badge of Military Merit,” which later became the Purple Heart. The medal still bears Washington’s image to this day.

Presidents’ Day is observed annually on the third Monday of February as a federal holiday in the United States.

The diplomatic missions in Nigeria will resume normal operations on Tuesday, February 17.