United States President Donald Trump is reportedly planning to shut down several American embassies and consulates around the world, with many of the closures expected to affect Africa. However, Nigeria is not on the list of countries to be affected by the proposal.
According to a recent report by CNN, a leaked internal document from the US State Department shows that about 30 embassies and consulates are being considered for closure. The plan is part of a wider effort by the Trump administration to reduce America’s diplomatic footprint abroad.
While several African countries may lose their US diplomatic missions, Nigeria — one of the United States’ most important partners on the continent — has been excluded from the list. This suggests that Washington still values its strong ties with Nigeria, despite the broader plan to scale back.
The internal document, which was leaked to CNN, reveals that embassies in countries like the Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, Lesotho, and South Sudan are among those targeted for closure. A US consulate in South Africa also features on the list.
The full plan proposes shutting down 10 embassies and 17 consulates in total. Many of these are located in Africa and Europe, while others are found in Asia and the Caribbean. The embassies listed for closure include those in Malta, Luxembourg, Lesotho, the Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, and South Sudan.
In addition, several consulates across the globe may be affected, including five in France, two in Germany, two in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and one each in the United Kingdom, South Africa, and South Korea.
CNN also reports that the plan recommends reducing US presence in countries like Iraq and Somalia, both of which are seen as key locations in America’s ongoing fight against terrorism.
Despite the detailed document, the US government has not officially confirmed that these closures will go ahead. CNN notes that Secretary of State Marco Rubio has not yet approved the plan. A spokesperson for the US State Department declined to comment on the leaked information, saying they do not discuss internal documents.
This lack of official confirmation means that the closures are still under consideration, and it is not yet clear if or when they will be implemented.
Nigeria’s exemption from the proposed shutdown list reflects the country’s strategic importance to the United States. As Africa’s most populous country and its largest economy, Nigeria plays a key role in regional security, trade, and diplomacy.
Over the years, the US and Nigeria have enjoyed a strong and steady relationship. America is one of Nigeria’s top trading partners, especially in oil exports, and supports various development initiatives across the country in areas such as health, education, and security.
The US Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate in Lagos are also very active in promoting bilateral cooperation. The two countries often collaborate on issues such as terrorism, peacekeeping, democracy, and human rights.
Political analysts say that Nigeria’s role in fighting terrorism in West Africa, especially against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), makes it a vital ally for the US in the region. This may be one of the reasons Nigeria was left off the closure list.
If implemented, the embassy closures could have serious implications for diplomatic relations between the US and the affected African countries. For many smaller African nations, US embassies serve not only as centers of political and diplomatic engagement, but also as key support hubs for development, health, and humanitarian programmes.
The possible closure of these missions could limit access to US assistance and affect the processing of visas, educational exchanges, and business ties. In places like South Sudan and the Central African Republic — countries facing internal conflict and political instability — the presence of US diplomats has often helped drive peace and reconstruction efforts.
Experts warn that reducing diplomatic ties could signal a lack of interest from the US in African affairs, just as other global powers like China and Russia are increasing their influence on the continent.
“This move may weaken America’s voice in Africa at a critical time,” said a foreign policy expert based in Abuja. “These countries rely on US support for stability, development, and international attention.”
The reported plan to close embassies and consulates is part of a broader agenda by the Trump administration to scale down America’s global presence. Throughout his presidency, Trump has pushed for an “America First” foreign policy, which emphasizes reducing international commitments and cutting government spending overseas.
This approach has led to tensions with some long-standing allies and partners who see the US as stepping back from its leadership role on the global stage.
Critics argue that such a large-scale reduction in diplomatic missions could damage the US’s ability to respond quickly to global crises, provide aid, and promote democratic values. They also worry that closing embassies may reduce support for American citizens living or working abroad.
Supporters of the move, however, argue that the US has overstretched its diplomatic network and needs to focus more on domestic priorities. They say the proposed shutdowns will help cut costs and redirect resources to areas of greater national interest.
While Nigeria is not directly affected, foreign policy observers say the country will be watching the situation closely. As a regional leader, Nigeria is often involved in African Union and ECOWAS discussions on diplomacy, security, and development. Any change in US engagement in the region could have ripple effects that touch Nigeria’s own diplomatic efforts.
For now, the US Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate in Lagos will continue their normal operations. However, should the Trump administration decide to push forward with the broader embassy closure plan, it could mark a turning point in America’s approach to Africa and the rest of the world.
