U.S. EmbASSY ABUJA
U.S. Consulate General LAGOS
NIGERIA
May 24, 2007
Warden Message
The Labor and Civil Society Coalition (LASCO), the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC), have publicly announced protests for both Monday, May 28, and Tuesday, May 29. Their objective is to protest against the 2007 Nigerian elections as well as a number of other issues, such as salary increases. The inauguration for the new federal and state administrations will be held on Nigeria�s Democracy Day, Tuesday, May 29, 2007. This is a federal holiday. A public protest is being planned for May 29, at Tafawa Balewa Square, on Lagos Island. However, past experience has shown that impromptu public gatherings can occur at any time and even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational, and possibly escalate into violence. An unknown group has also communicated its intention to expand the Delta violence throughout Nigeria, including Abuja.
In view of the upcoming protest, the U.S. Consulate General Lagos has advised its American citizen personnel and family members that they must obtain prior approval from the Regional Security Officer (RSO) to travel outside of their residential compounds Tuesday, May 29.
The U.S. Mission continues to recommend that American citizens avoid restaurants, bars, and night clubs between the hours of 2200 and 0600.
We have recommended that our staff evaluate their current personal contingency/emergency planning and at a minimum take the following precautions:
� Fully fuel and inspect motor vehicles to ensure they are properly functioning;
� Stock up on food and water so that you have sufficient stores to last several days;
� Check locks and doors and remain in positive control over all keys to entry ways, doors, and locks;
� Ensure mobile phones are fully charged; and
� 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