The Federal Government has responded to the United States government’s decision to authorise the departure of non-emergency personnel from its embassy in Abuja, describing the move as a routine precautionary measure that does not reflect the broader security situation across the country.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who addressed the development on Thursday, said the U.S. decision was guided by internal diplomatic protocols and should not be interpreted as an indictment of Nigeria’s security environment.
“While we acknowledge isolated security challenges in some areas, there is no general breakdown of law and order, and the vast majority of the country remains stable,” Idris said.
The U.S. authorisation, which follows deadly attacks recorded during the Easter period and growing concerns over terrorist activity in parts of Nigeria, has drawn international attention.
The Lagos Eye News had earlier reported that United States Embassy cited worsening security conditions as the basis for the drawdown.
The minister, however, pushed back against that characterisation, pointing to what he described as measurable gains from ongoing security operations across multiple regions. He said coordinated military action, intelligence-led interventions, and strengthened inter-agency collaboration had disrupted criminal networks, curbed the activities of armed groups, and improved safety in vulnerable communities.
“Our security agencies remain actively engaged in protecting lives and property, and the results of these efforts are increasingly evident,” Idris said.
The government also sought to reassure investors and international partners, stressing that public institutions remain fully operational with no disruption to governance, economic activity, or daily life.
Idris described Nigeria as open for business, travel, and investment, adding that ongoing economic reforms were bolstering investor confidence and improving the country’s global standing.
While conceding that every sovereign nation has the right to issue travel advisories based on its own assessment, the Federal Government called for what it termed balanced and up-to-date reporting that reflects the progress being made on the ground.
“We encourage our international partners to continuously engage with Nigerian authorities to obtain a more comprehensive and current understanding of the situation,” Idris added.
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