FCT, Abuja – The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has lambasted the Canadian government for denying visas to Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Christopher Musa, and other senior military officials.
Musa and other officials were to honour an invitation to attend an event in Canada for veterans who were injured during battles.
As reported by Vanguard, the Canadian embassy only granted visas to a portion of the delegation.
The decision led to strong reactions from Nigerian authorities with Ribadu describing it as “painful and disrespectful”
Musa said:
“We were invited with our team. Half of us have gone, and half have been denied. It’s very disappointing.
“It’s a clear reminder that the country must stand on its own, stand strong as a nation, and should no longer be taken for granted.”
Reacting to the incident, Ribadu said it is further motivation to work towards national progress.
He stated this while speaking on Thursday, February 13 at the inaugural annual lecture of the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies (AANISS) in Abuja.
“Thank you for having the courage to say Canada denied you visas. They can go to hell.
“Even though it’s painful and disrespectful, we are peaceful and strong, and I agree with you that it is time to fix our country.
“Yet, this is another reason we must work hard to make Nigeria thrive. I commend you for providing purposeful leadership in the fight against insecurity.”
also reported that a man’s attempt to travel out of Nigeria met another stumbling block as the Canadian embassy denied him a visa.
The Nigerian man took to social media to lament his visa denial and revealed the United Kingdom embassy had previously rejected his application.
A video of the unfortunate visa applicant shedding tears with his passport has elicited reactions online.
Canada announces changes on student visa, permits
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that the government of Canada made some changes to its student visas over the next two years.
It stated that the limit would only be valid for two years, after which it will be re-evaluated in 2025.
In addition to the cap, the government mandated foreign students requesting a permit to submit an attestation letter from a province.
