Tag: U.S. Embassy

  • U.S. Embassy reopens new centre to deepen relations with Nigeria

    U.S. Embassy reopens new centre to deepen relations with Nigeria

    The United States Embassy has reopened the newly redesigned American Centre in Abuja.

    This brings to 29 the number of American centres scattered across Nigeria.

    The new centre, located at the Embassy Chancery, features modernised spaces and enhanced technology aimed at expanding educational, cultural, and professional opportunities for Nigerians of all ages.

    It aims at providing information about the United States, English language teaching and learning, educational advising for study at U.S. institutions, American cultural programs, networking with U.S. exchange program alumni, and professional skills building.

    Speaking at the opening ceremony, the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard M. Mills, Jr., stated that the American Centre and American Spaces play vital roles in fostering opportunity and connection.

    He said: “Today, we are proud to reopen the American Centre as a space that celebrates American excellence in arts and reflects the values that define our nation. American Spaces have become trusted venues for young people seeking opportunities to learn about the United States, improve their English, and develop professional skills. They offer a welcoming environment where students, entrepreneurs, and community leaders can connect, collaborate, and innovate.”   

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    The ambassador added: “Through educational advising, entrepreneurship training, and digital literacy programmes, American Spaces equip Nigerians with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing global economy.”

    “The individuals depicted on this mural embody the values of hard work, determination, and perseverance. These are hallmarks of American achievement, but they are also qualities we see every day in Nigerian youth.”

    Also, the Country Public Diplomacy Counsellor, Lee McManis, stated that the revitalised space joined 29 other American Spaces across Nigeria, serving as hubs for cultural exchanges and learning.

     “We are thrilled to reopen the American Centre here at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja. This revitalised space joins 29 other American Spaces across Nigeria, serving as vibrant hubs for celebrating U.S. leadership in innovation and learning.

    “Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the centre will foster meaningful connections and provide new opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing.

    “American Spaces are at the heart of our commitment to bridge-building.

    “These Spaces offer a welcoming environment where people can access reliable information, develop new skills, and engage in open dialogue.

    “By fostering connections and supporting lifelong learning, American Spaces empower individuals and strengthen the bonds between our nations,” he said.

    The newly redesigned centre features murals, which are a series of large public artworks that celebrate American history, culture, and shared values.

    Created by skilled artists, murals often highlight diverse themes, such as freedom, innovation, and community.

    Through bold imagery and symbolic scenes, the murals are meant to educate, inspire, and reflect the experiences and ideals that have shaped the United States. 

  • U.S. Embassy reopens newly redesigned American centre in Abuja

    U.S. Embassy reopens newly redesigned American centre in Abuja

    The United States Embassy has reopened its newly redesigned American Center in Abuja, raising the number of American Centres across Nigeria to 29.

    Located within the Embassy Chancery, the upgraded facility features modern spaces and enhanced technology designed to broaden educational, cultural and professional opportunities for Nigerians. 

    The Centre offers resources on the United States, English language teaching and learning, educational advising for study in U.S. institutions, American cultural programmes, networking opportunities with U.S. exchange alumni and professional development support.

    Speaking at the reopening ceremony, U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard M. Mills, Jr., underscored the importance of the American Center and the wider network of American Spaces in fostering access to information, learning and cross-cultural connections.

     “Today, we are proud to reopen the American Center as a space that celebrates American excellence in arts and reflects the values that define our nation. American Spaces have become trusted venues for young people seeking opportunities to learn about the United States, improve their English, and develop professional skills.  They offer a welcoming environment where students, entrepreneurs, and community leaders can connect, collaborate, and innovate.”    

    He added, “Through educational advising, entrepreneurship training, and digital literacy programs, American Spaces equip Nigerians with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing global economy.” 

     “The individuals depicted on this mural embody the values of hard work, determination, and perseverance.  These are hallmarks of American achievement, but they are also qualities we see every day in Nigerian youth.” Ambassador Mills added.

    Also speaking during the reopening ceremony, Country Public Diplomacy Counselor, Lee McManis stated that the revitalized space joins twenty-nine other American Spaces across Nigeria, serving as vibrant hubs for cultural exchanges and learning.

     “We are thrilled to reopen the American Center here at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja. This revitalized space joins 29 other American Spaces across Nigeria, serving as vibrant hubs for celebrating U.S. leadership in innovation and learning. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the center will foster meaningful connections and provide new opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing. 

     McManis said, “American Spaces are at the heart of our commitment to bridge building,” adding that “These Spaces offer a welcoming environment where people can access reliable information, develop new skills, and engage in open dialogue. By fostering connections and supporting lifelong learning, American Spaces empower individuals and strengthen the bonds between our nations.” 

    The newly redesigned centre features murals which are a series of large public artworks that celebrate American history, culture, and shared values. Created by skilled artists, murals often highlight themes such as freedom, innovation, and community. Through bold imagery and symbolic scenes, the murals are meant to educate, inspire, and reflect the experiences and ideals that have shaped the United States. 

     The Embassy reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to resources and program that strengthen bilateral ties. 

    American Spaces support U.S. interests, foster a greater understanding of the United States, and offer opportunities for the United States to connect with aspiring leaders.  

    The reopening ceremony welcomed guests both in- person and virtually, including participants from all American Spaces across Nigeria.  

  • U.S. Embassy to put visa issuance on hold in Nigeria, 18 other countries from Jan 1

    U.S. Embassy to put visa issuance on hold in Nigeria, 18 other countries from Jan 1

    The issuance of visa by the United States (U.S.) Embassy in Nigeria and in 18 other countries will be partially suspended from January 1, the embassy confirmed the development in a post on its official X page yesterday night.

    Nigeria is one of 19 countries affected by President Donald Trump’s new directive on immigration.

    The tweet reads: “Effective January 1, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. EST, in line with Presidential Proclamation 10998 on ‘Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States,’ the Department of State is partially suspending visa issuance to nationals of 19 countries – Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Cote D’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe – for nonimmigrant B-1/B-2 visitor visas and F, M, J student and exchange visitor visas, and all immigrant visas with limited exceptions for:

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    ·Immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran

    ·Dual nationals applying with a passport of a nationality not subject to a suspension

    ·Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for U.S. government employees under 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(27)(D)

    ·Participants in certain major sporting events

    ·Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs).

  • U.S. Embassy warns Nigerians against visa fraud, threatens permanent ban

    U.S. Embassy warns Nigerians against visa fraud, threatens permanent ban

    The United States (U.S.) Embassy in Abuja has warned Nigerians against engaging in any form of fraud in the process of obtaining United States visas, saying offenders risk permanent bans.

    The warning is contained in a statement posted on the embassy’s official X handle, which stressed that applicants who provide false information or fake documents could face lifelong ineligibility under U.S. immigration law.

    According to the embassy, visa fraud carries serious consequences, as any form of misrepresentation during the application process may result in a permanent prohibition from entering the United States.

    “Visa fraud has serious consequences. Lying or providing fake documents can lead to permanent visa bans under U.S. immigration law,” the statement said.

    The embassy reiterated its commitment to continued cooperation with Nigeria on matters of mutual interest.

    “The United States looks forward to continuing to work together with Nigeria on issues of mutual concern,” it added.

    The warning comes amid efforts to curb rising cases of document falsification and misrepresentation in visa applications.

    It also follows ongoing public sensitisation and diplomatic engagements between Nigerian authorities and the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Richard Mills.