Nigeria complains that Canada has refused to provide its military officers visas.
Senior army officers and Nigeria’s Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa, were refused visas to attend a Canadian event.
In order to strengthen border security, Canada has amended its immigration laws to allow the cancellation of temporary resident documents in certain situations.
Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria’s national security adviser, blasted the Canadian embassy for denying General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), and other high-ranking army personnel visas.
At the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies (AANISS) inaugural speech in Abuja, Ribadu said that Canada “can go to hell.”
“Every setback is a blessing. I was supposed to be in Canada yesterday for a ceremony honoring our veterans and combat wounded. We were invited with our team, but half of us were denied visas, while the other half were granted them. It is really disheartening,” Musa remarked.
Unable to hide his disapproval, Ribadu praised the CDS for publicizing the episode.
“Thank you for having the guts to say that Canada refused your visas. “They can burn in hell,” the NSA declared.
“I agree with you that it’s time to improve our nation, even though it’s hurtful and disrespectful. We are powerful and peaceful. However, this is just another reason why we want to make Nigeria function, the NSA stated.
Canada has tightened its immigration laws.
Canada has implemented new immigration laws that provide immigration officials the power to revoke work and study permits, TRVs, eTAs, and other temporary resident cards under certain situations.
Enacted on January 31, 2025, this measure attempts to ensure public safety, preserve the integrity of visa programs, and strengthen border security.
The following grounds may result in the cancellation of temporary residence visas (TRVs) and electronic travel authorizations (eTAs), per information on the Canadian government website:
- A change in the person’s status or circumstances makes them ineligible or inadmissible (e.g., providing false information, having a criminal history, or being deceased).
- The officer is not convinced that the individual will leave Canada by the end of their authorized stay.
- The visa document is lost, stolen, destroyed, or abandoned.
Immigration and border services officials can better handle matters pertaining to temporary resident status according to the regulations.
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