WARDEN MESSAGES

Warden Message

October 8, 2008

Lagos State elections are being held on Saturday, October 11, 2008.  The Action Congress party is planning numerous rallies throughout the Lagos area between now and Saturday.  One of these rallies will be held in Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos Island, on the afternoon of Thursday, October 9, 2008.  These political rallies have previously caused severe traffic congestion and delays, as well as periodic incidents of violence.  U.S. citizens should, therefore, exercise caution and avoid areas where there are large public gatherings.

U.S. citizens should also be aware that on previous election days the Lagos State government has restricted vehicle traffic, which the police have vigorously enforced.  While no such restriction has yet been issued, the government has previously made such announcementswith as little as 48 hours notice.  We continue to advise all Americans to review their security procedures, remain vigilant to their surroundings, and report any specific incidences of targeted violence toward U.S. citizens or facilities.

The telephone numbers for the Embassy in Abuja and the U. S. Consulate General in Lagos are listed below.  You may also email the Abuja Consular Section at:  ConsularAbuja@state.gov or the Lagos Consular Section at:  lagosacs@state.gov  

For information on travel in Nigeria, see the Department of State's most recent Travel Warning and Country Specific Information Sheet for Nigeria at http://travel.state.gov.  Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
 
U.S. Embassy Abuja is located at Plot 1075 Diplomatic Drive, Central Business District, Abuja; the local number is 09-461-4000.  Abuja’s international telephone number is 011 [234] (9) 461-4000.  The U.S. Consulate Lagos is located at 2 Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island, Lagos; the telephone number is 01-460-3400.   Lagos’ international telephone number is 011 [234] (1) 460-3400.