Warden Message

Caution Advised For The Duration of General Strike

Lagos, Nigeria
October 8, 2004

Nigerian labor leaders have called a nation-wide general strike beginning Monday, October 11, 2004, to protest the recent increase in the price of petroleum products. The duration of the strike is uncertain and has the potential to turn violent.

During a similar strike in July 2003 public transportation was seriously disrupted. Some domestic airline flights were cancelled. There were reports of roads being blocked in and around Abuja as well as in other areas. Demonstrations occurred in the vicinity of government offices in Abuja. Police responded by clearing the blocked roadways. In some instances, tear gas was used to disperse demonstrators.

Residents should expect similar consequences if another strike occurs. The strike may be observed in other cities in Nigeria with attendant disruptions and situations could vary markedly in different parts of the country.

Deliveries of gasoline may be delayed or suspended. Due to the likelihood of fuel shortages continuing for an indeterminate period, American citizens should conserve fuel and avoid unnecessary travel, and ensure that sufficient food supplies are available. Transportation may be severely affected, and additional police checkpoints are likely to appear on many roads.

The U.S. Mission in Nigeria advises all American citizens to exercise caution, avoid demonstrations and large crowds, and carefully assess local conditions and act accordingly. The United States Consulate in Lagos expects to remain open, however, as conditions dictate, services may be limited or suspended. The consulate will be closed on October 11, 2004, in observance of Columbus Day. Any American citizen having consular business that cannot be postponed should contact the Consular Office before coming to the Embassy.

American citizens are urged to review their security procedures, remain vigilant to their surroundings, and report specific incidences of targeted violence to the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, 09-523-0960 or the U.S. Consulate in Lagos 01-261-0078. You may also email the Lagos Consular Section at lagoscons2@state.gov.

U.S. citizens living or traveling in Nigeria are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website, <https://travelregistration.state.gov>, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Nigeria. Americans without internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.