The Guardian (Nigeria)

Consular Pavilion to provide safe space for visa

- By Ngozi Egenuka

INline with the recent revocation of the visa ban on some countries by the United States, the country has expanded its pavilion to provide a safe space for visa applicants in Nigeria in line with the pandemic restrictio­ns.

The newly expanded and renovated consular pavilion seeks to improve the experience that visa applicants and American citizens in Nigeria receive.

Speaking during the ribboncutt­ing ceremony, United States Consul General, Claire Pierangelo noted that the renovated consular pavilion would ensure applicants observe all Covid- 19 protocol while waiting for their appointmen­t.

She said the Consulate is working hard to reschedule the visa applicants that were affected by the pandemic, adding that the new consular pavilion will go a long way in helping to achieve this goal.

“For most Nigerians and U. S. citizens in Nigeria, their main interactio­n with the U. S. Consulate is through our consular section. The consular customer experience is something we continuous­ly improve on. This new pavilion is an example of that effort. From the pavilion to the interview, we want our customers to have a positive experience,” Consul General Pierangelo said.

In her remarks, Consular Chief, Liliane Hudspeth explained that the new consular pavilion offers visitors a larger, more comfortabl­e covered waiting area, protection from sun, rain, and inclement weather as well as a great view of the Lagos lagoon.

She added that the consular section has introduced a range of measures to meet the increased expectatio­n of safety. “We have put in place safety measures that not only protect our visa applicants but also consular staff who serve those applicants,” Consular Chief Hudspeth said.

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