The Embassy of Italy in Abuja was established in 2003 in the new capital of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, following the transfer from the former capital, Lagos. The Embassy is located within the premises of the European Union Common Embassies Complex since May 2005.The Commercial Office and the Consular section (overseeing the FCT and the States of Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Niger e Plateau) are operational within the Embassy. All Visa Services for the entire Country are handled by the Consulate General of Italy in Lagos (see the section on "Consulate network" for contacts' details). Diplomatic and official visas only may be handled by the Embassy in Abuja.
The Ambassador of Italy to Nigeria is also accredited to the Republic of Benin and to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The Embassy thus covers also matter related to the Republic of Benin, where there is an Italian Honorary Consul (see the section on "Consulate network" for contacts' details) and to ECOWAS.