The Federal Government has assured citizens and the international community that Nigeria remains safe, following the decision by the United States Department of State to approve the departure of non-essential staff from its embassy in Abuja.
In a response on Thursday, the government maintained that the country continues to enjoy a stable security environment and urged Nigerians to remain calm.
The reassurance comes a day after the U.S. authorised non-emergency personnel and their families to leave its Abuja mission, citing security concerns across several states.
As part of the measures, the U.S. Embassy suspended visa appointments in Abuja, advising applicants to monitor their emails for rescheduled dates. However, operations at the U.S. Consulate General Lagos will continue.
The U.S. also said emergency consular services remain available, while other services will be handled strictly by appointment.
In its updated travel advisory, Washington urged its citizens to reconsider travel to Nigeria, pointing to risks linked to crime, terrorism, kidnapping and civil unrest.
Despite the warning, Nigerian authorities insist that security agencies remain active across the country and that there is no cause for panic among residents or visitors.
