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Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has warned that the recent directive by the United States to evacuate its embassy staff from Nigeria over rising insecurity signals fading international confidence in the country’s security system and leadership.
According to him, the move throws Nigeria’s worsening security crisis into sharp global focus, raising fresh concerns about its impact on investor confidence, diplomatic relations, and an already fragile economy.
In a statement on Friday, Obi said the situation should be treated as a national emergency, stressing that the consequences go beyond security to Nigeria’s standing in the eyes of the world.
“The recent directive by the United States to evacuate its embassy staff from Nigeria over rising insecurity is deeply troubling and ought to be treated as a national emergency, particularly for a country already struggling to attract investment.
“Nigeria currently ranks fourth on the Global Terrorism Index, yet the security situation continues to deteriorate. Lives are being lost, and communities remain under constant threat.
“There is a glaring absence of effective governance; instead, we are witnessing actions that undermine democratic processes, as though politics has taken precedence over the safety and welfare of citizens.
“The U.S. directive is a stark signal of declining confidence in our national security architecture.
“More troubling still are reports of the loss of yet another Army Brigadier General to terrorists in Borno earlier today.
“A nation where citizens cannot live, work, worship, or travel safely cannot make progress or inspire investor confidence.
“The primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property. In this regard, we as leaders have consistently fallen short. This failure continues to place immense strain on our armed forces, who bear the burden and make the ultimate sacrifices.
“Regrettably, as the nation deteriorates, we as leaders appear preoccupied, like Nero, with political pursuits, forgetting that without security, there is no nation to govern and no future to contest,” Obi said.
The United States Embassy in Abuja has announced the cancellation of all visa appointments, directing applicants to check their emails for details regarding rescheduled dates.
The notice was shared on the U.S. mission in Nigeria official X handle on Thursday.
The statement reads: “U.S. Embassy Abuja is closed for visa appointments. Applicants should check their email for details on rescheduled appointments.
“Visa operations at U.S. Consulate General Lagos continue. American citizen services are available in emergencies and by appointment.”
Read Also: US Embassy Warns Of Terror Threat to Nigeria Facilities
The advisory comes hours after the U.S. Department of State authorized non-emergency U.S. government employees and their families to leave the Abuja Embassy, citing a deteriorating security situation across Nigeria.
In an updated travel advisory which caused a stir online, the Department urged Americans to reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest.
The overall travel advisory for Nigeria has been classified as “Level 3: Reconsider Travel,” while certain states are at “Level 4: Do Not Travel.”
The advisory specifically warned that U.S. citizens should avoid Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and northern Adamawa States in the North due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping.
Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara States were also highlighted for unrest, crime, and kidnapping risks.
Responding to the advisory, the Federal Government of Nigeria described the U.S. travel notice as “unbalanced” and urged international partners to provide more accurate and up-to-date assessments of the country’s security situation.
