Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said the United States is scaling down its embassy staff in Nigeria due to fears of possible attacks linked to tensions involving Iran.
Akpabio made the remark while speaking at the inauguration of the new headquarters of the National Assembly Service Commission in Abuja, addressing concerns over reports that some foreign missions are reducing operations in the country.
He explained that the development is not unique to Nigeria but part of broader global security precautions being taken by certain countries.
“Some people say that even now that some embassies are closing down. Not many embassies are closing down. Many of the embassies are afraid of repercussions from their foes,” he said.
He added, “For instance, I can say that America is a bit worried about the bomb blast from Iran, and so across the world, they have to reduce their staff in case Iran decides to attack their embassies.”
Akpabio dismissed claims that the move is connected to Nigeria’s political climate or the forthcoming elections, insisting that diplomatic missions are acting based on international security considerations.
“When people are thinking, oh, Nigeria’s embassies are closing because the election is coming. It’s not because the election is coming.
Nigeria’s senate president, Godswill Akpabio is saying that America is closing its embassy in Abuja because they are afraid of the bomb blast from Iran
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“The election will come and go, and God will protect you. God will protect Nigeria. Nigeria will outlive this
election,” he added.
The development follows a decision by the United States Department of State to authorise nonemergency government employees and their families to leave the US Embassy in Abuja, citing a worsening security situation across Nigeria.
In an updated travel advisory issued last Wednesday, the department said that from April 8, 2026, Americans should reconsider travel to Nigeria due to concerns over crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest.
The advisory placed Nigeria under a “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” classification, with some states designated as “Level 4: Do Not Travel.”
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