WARDEN MESSAGES

Warden Message 
January 25, 2007

Nigeria has entered the season of political rallies in advance of this year’s elections. The People’s Democratic Party plans to hold a rally at Tafawa Balewa Square , Lagos Island , on Saturday, January 27 at 9:00 a.m.  Political rallies have previously caused severe traffic congestion and delays and it is possible this rally may cause much the same.  We wish to remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations.

The Consulate continues to advise Americans to review their security procedures, remain vigilant to their surroundings, and report specific incidences of targeted violence to the U.S. Consulate in Lagos at 01-261-0050.  You may also email the Lagos Consular Section at lagoscons2@state.gov.

Americans are encouraged to read the Department of State’s January 19, 2007 Travel Warning regarding travel to Nigeria (available online at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_928.html), the January 13, 2007 Consular Information Sheet (available online at http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_987.html), and the Worldwide Caution announcement released on October 11, 2006 (available online at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1161.html).

U.S. citizens in Nigeria are strongly encouraged to register with the Department of State at https://travelregistration.state.gov.  Those without Internet access may register in person at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja or the Consulate General in Lagos and obtain information there on travel and security in Nigeria . 

U.S. Embassy Abuja is located at Plot 1075, Diplomatic Drive , Central Business District, Abuja ; the telephone number is 09-461-4000.

The U.S. Consulate Lagos is located at 2 Walter Carrington Crescent , Victoria Island, Lagos ; the telephone number is 01-261-1215. 

For after-hours emergencies, call 011 [234] (1) 261-1414, 261-0195, 261-0078, 261-0139, or 261-6477.