By OKIKI ADEDUYITE

The United States Embassy in Nigeria has assured that visa and passport services will continue, despite the partial shutdown of the US government.

In a notice issued via its official X handle on Wednesday, the embassy stated, ?Due to the lapse in appropriations, this X account will not be updated regularly until full operations resume, with the exception of urgent safety and security information.

?At this time, scheduled passport and visa transit services in the United States and at U.S. Embassies and Consulates overseas will continue during the lapse in appropriations as the situation permits.?

It explained that its social media accounts would not be updated regularly until government funding is restored, except for ?urgent safety and security information.?

The announcement comes as many Nigerians expressed concern that the shutdown in Washington could affect visa processing, student travel plans and other consular services.

The shutdown, which began after US lawmakers and President Donald Trump failed to reach a budget deal, has forced several federal departments and agencies to halt operations.

It stems from a dispute over Democratic demands for health care funding, which Republicans have resisted.

Trump, while defending the shutdown, said it could help him eliminate programmes linked to Democrats? priorities.

The closure will not affect essential services such as the military, postal service, and social welfare schemes like Social Security and food stamps.

However, as many as 750,000 federal workers could be sent home daily without pay until a funding deal is reached, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

This marks the first government shutdown since the record 35-day closure almost seven years ago, during Trump?s first term. Congress has often faced last-minute battles over spending bills, but most have been resolved before triggering shutdowns.

A government shutdown in the US occurs when Congress and the President fail to agree on a spending plan, forcing many federal departments and agencies to halt operations until a deal is reached.

Workers in affected agencies are sent home without pay, while only essential services such as the military, postal service and welfare programmes like Social Security continue.

The US has experienced 21 shutdowns since 1976, when the modern budget process was introduced.

Nigerians are advised to check travel.state.gov for updates on consular services, including visa appointments and passport processing.(PUNCH)

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