The Canadian High Commission in Nigeria has addressed recent media reports regarding the denial of visas to senior Nigerian military officials, including the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa.
In a statement released on Friday, the High Commission acknowledged awareness of the situation but refrained from providing specific details on individual visa applications, citing privacy policies.
General Musa and several top military officials were reportedly denied visas to attend an event in Canada honouring war veterans. Reacting to the incident during the maiden annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies in Abuja on Thursday, Musa described the visa denial as a “wake-up call” for Nigeria to strengthen its sovereignty.
“This is a reminder that we must stand on our own, stand strong as a nation, and refuse to be taken for granted,” Musa stated.
National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu also reacted strongly, backing Musa’s stance and condemning Canada’s decision.
“Canada can go to hell,” Ribadu declared, labelling the visa denial as “disrespectful.”
In its response, the Canadian High Commission stated, “The High Commission of Canada in Nigeria is aware of media reports related to planned travel by senior officials. However, for privacy reasons, we are unable to comment on the status of visa applications of specific individuals.”
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