Senate President Godswill Akpabio has stated that the decision by the United States Department of State to scale down its embassy staff in Nigeria is driven by global security concerns, particularly tensions involving Iran.
Akpabio made this known during the inauguration of the new headquarters of the National Assembly Service Commission in Abuja, where he addressed public concerns about reports of foreign missions reducing their presence in the country.
According to him, the development is not specific to Nigeria but part of wider precautionary measures being taken by some countries in response to potential international threats.
“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 further explained that the United States is acting out of caution over possible attacks linked to Iran, noting that such measures are being applied globally.
“For instance, I can say that America is a bit worried about possible bomb attacks from Iran, and so across the world, they have to reduce their staff in case Iran decides to target their embassies,” he added.
Akpabio also dismissed suggestions that the move is connected to Nigeria’s internal politics or the upcoming elections, stressing that diplomatic decisions are based on international security assessments rather than local political developments.
“When people think Nigeria’s embassies are closing because elections are approaching, that is not the case. The election will come and go, and Nigeria will remain,” he said.
The development follows a directive from the United States authorising non-emergency government personnel and their families to leave its Abuja embassy due to worsening security conditions.
- In a travel advisory released last Wednesday, the U.S. placed Nigeria on a “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” status, citing risks such as crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest, while some regions were classified under “Level 4: Do Not Travel.”