The U.S. Mission in Nigeria has announced that it will close its operations on Thursday, January 9, to honor the passing of former President Jimmy Carter. This was stated in a post on the mission’s official social media handle, X, on Thursday.
“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Thursday, Jan. 9, in honor of former President Carter’s passing. We remember former President Jimmy Carter, a tireless advocate for peace, democracy, and human rights,” the mission wrote.
Carter, who passed away on December 29 at the age of 100, served as the 39th president of the United States from 1977 to 1981. He was widely praised for his humanitarian efforts following his presidency, which earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
His body will lie in state at the Capitol until Thursday, allowing the public to pay their respects. Though criticized for his political instincts during his time in office, Carter is now regarded for reshaping the role of a former president.
A state funeral service is scheduled for Thursday at the National Cathedral, an Episcopal church in Washington, D.C. The venue has also hosted the funerals of former presidents Dwight Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford, and George H.W. Bush.
President Joe Biden is expected to deliver the eulogy for Carter, with former presidents Donald Trump, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama set to attend the service.
