The United States government is reportedly planning a major restructuring of its diplomatic and visa operations across Africa.
This move will see its embassy in Abuja lose visa processing functions while Lagos becomes the main centre for such services in Nigeria.
According to reports, the plan forms part of a broader review approved by US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, aimed at reducing the number of visa processing locations on the continent.
Under the proposed arrangement, only 20 regional visa hubs would remain across Africa.
While the US Consulate in Lagos is expected to continue operating under the new system, Abuja was not listed among the selected hubs.
If the plan takes effect, visa applicants currently using services in Abuja would have to travel to Lagos for their applications and interviews.
The development could also affect applicants from neighbouring West African countries where US visa services may be reduced or removed.
As a result, Lagos may experience a sharp increase in the number of people seeking visas.
Observers say the expected rise in applications could place additional pressure on facilities and staff in Lagos.
Longer waiting periods for appointments, increased travel costs for applicants and greater demand for support services around the consulate are among the possible effects of the change.
