U.S. EmbASSY, ABUJA
U.S. Consulate General LAGOS
NIGERIA
June 20, 2007
Warden Message
Caution Advised for the Duration of Labor Strikes
This Warden message is being issued to advise American citizens that Nigerian labor leaders have called for nation-wide strikes beginning today, Wednesday June 20, 2007, to protest the recent increase in the price of petroleum products, taxes, and other related issues.
Strike actions have already taken place in Nigeria, public transportation has been disrupted, and many domestic airline flights have been delayed and cancelled. We have received reports of roads being blocked in and around Abuja as well as in other areas. Demonstrations have occurred in the vicinity of government offices in Abuja, and major transportation routes, and police have responded by clearing the blocked roadways. The duration and scope of these labor strikes are uncertain and have the potential to turn violent; therefore American citizens are urged to avoid areas of demonstrations if possible and to exercise extreme caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. The police are staffing checkpoints at strategic locations around the Lagos metropolitan area. Nonetheless, travelers should restrict their intra-city movements to essential travel only as the security environment could deteriorate rapidly and without prior notice.
In response to these events, effective immediately, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria has placed the following restrictions on all official personnel serving in Nigeria as follows: (1) no discretionary travel by road outside of the city limits of Abuja and Lagos, and (2) no discretionary domestic travel by air. This restriction will be in place until such time as the current situation improves and the Mission rescinds the restrictions.
Deliveries of gasoline have been 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 Embassy in Abuja and the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos expect to remain open during this period of labor strikes; however, as conditions dictate, services may be limited or suspended. Any American citizen having consular business that cannot be postponed should contact the respective Consular Sections before coming to either the Embassy or Consulate General.
We have recommended that our staff evaluate their current personal contingency/emergency planning and at a minimum take the following precautions:
1) Fully fuel and inspect motor vehicles to ensure they are properly functioning;
2) Stock up on food and water so that you have sufficient stores to last several days;
3) Check locks and doors and remain in positive control over all keys to entry ways, doors, and locks;
4) Ensure mobile phones are fully charged; and
5) Have on hand a basic first aid kit.
We continue to advise all Americans to review their security procedures, remain vigilant to their surroundings, and report specific incidences of targeted violence to the U.S. Embassy in Abuja or the U. S. Consulate General in Lagos at the numbers below.
For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department�s Bureau of Consular Affairs internet website at http://travel.state.gov/, where the current Worldwide Caution, Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings can be found. Up to date information on 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 a.m. to 8 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 telephone number is 09-461-4000. E-Mail: ConsularAbuja@state.gov
The U.S. Consulate Lagos is located at 2 Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island, Lagos; the telephone number is 01-261-1215. For after-hours emergencies, call 011 [234] (1) 261-1414, 261-0195, 261-0078, 261-0139, or 261-6477. E-Mail: lagoscons2@state.gov
Website: http://nigeria.usembassy.gov