After Ribadu's Outburst, Canada Commission, Experts React to Denial of CDS, Army Officials' Visa
- The Canadian embassy in Nigeria has finally reacted to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu's outburst over visa denial
- Diplomat, Blackson Olaseni Bayewumi, says discrepancies in the visa applications could have contributed to the rejections of the army officials
- Security analyst, Abubakar Sani says the visa denial could be linked to an interview CDS Musa made via Aljazeera about Boko Haram's funding
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FCT, Abuja - The High Commission of Canada in Nigeria has finally reacted to the visa denial to Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Christopher Musa, and other top military officials.
Legit.ng recalls that the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, said the Canadian government can go to hell.
Source: Facebook
Ribadu said it is painful and disrespectful for the Canadian embassy to deny Musa and other senior military officials visas.
According to Ribadu, visa denial is a motivation and reason to work hard to make Nigeria thrive and great again.
Musa said:
“We were invited with our team. Half of us have gone, and half have been denied. It’s very disappointing."
Reacting, the Canadian Commission said it is aware of media reports related to the planned travel of senior officials in Nigeria to the North American country which was denied.
This was disclosed in a post shared via its X handle @CanHCNigeria on Friday, February 2025.
According to the Commission, they won’t provide any comment on the status of visa applications because of privacy reasons.
“The High Commission of Canada in Nigeria is aware of media reports related to planned travel to Canada by senior officials.
However, for privacy reasons, we are unable to provide any comment on the status of visa applications of specific individuals.
Legit.ng 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.
Legit.ng also reported that the Nigerian government criticised the Canadian Embassy for denying a visa to CDS Musa and his team, calling it disrespectful to the country.
Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo called the decision an insult to Nigeria, while National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu went further, saying, "Canada can go to hell".
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is expected to take diplomatic steps to address the issue and ensure mutual respect between both nations.
Diplomat weighs in on Canada’s visa rejection for Nigerian army officials
A seasoned diplomat with extensive experience in Nigerian diaspora relations, Blackson Olaseni Bayewumi, has provided insights into the recent visa denial to Nigeria’s top military officials, including the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Legit.ng, the diplomat shared his perspective on the impact of the decision and how both nations can manage their bilateral ties moving forward.
The diplomat, who has facilitated several exchanges between Nigeria and Canada, acknowledged that while the Canadian government has always been supportive of Nigeria, there may have been technical issues behind the visa denials.
Emphasizing the level of cooperation that exists between the two countries, he said:
"The Canadian government is a very friendly government. They love Nigeria. We need to get the details of this (army officials) application.”
He expressed surprise at the rejection of the military officials' visa applications, highlighting that Canada’s visa system is designed to evaluate applicants based on the information they provide.
The country director at Royal Commonwealth Society Nigeria suggested that any discrepancies or incomplete information in the visa applications could have contributed to the rejections.
Furthermore, the diplomat noted that some Nigerians’ actions, like seeking asylum upon arrival in Canada, have tarnished the country’s reputation. He urged Nigerians to follow legal immigration processes when seeking to enter Canada, emphasizing that there are numerous legitimate pathways available, including business, education, and investment opportunities.
Reflecting on Canada’s relationship with Nigeria, he reaffirmed that the two countries have always maintained cordial ties.
As he aptly put it:
“Some Nigerians will go to the airport in Canada and declare asylum. Those are the people that are giving Nigeria a bad name. And I have told many people that want to travel to Canada, there are 1,001 ways that you can migrate legitimately. Don't go spoil the name of Nigeria. Nigeria is a great country and Nigerians are doing well in Canada. Nigeria is building Canada. We have Nigerian professionals that are doing well in Canada. I believe Canada will always give a visa to a genuine Nigerian that wants to travel to Canada.”
The diplomat also pointed to recent diplomatic exchanges, including the new Canada High Commissioner presenting a letter of credence to President Bola Tinubu, signaling continued collaboration between the two nations.
He concluded that while the visa denial is concerning, it should not be seen as an intentional slight from Canada. Bayewumi urged Nigerian officials to ensure that all necessary and accurate information is provided in visa applications to avoid any future misunderstandings.
Analyst criticises Canada’s visa denial to CDS and officials
In an interview with Legit.ng, Dr. Abubakar Sani, a senior special assistant to former Army Chief, T.Y Buratai, expressed strong disapproval of Canada's decision to deny visas to Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, and his delegation.
Sani, a security analyst, who is personally acquainted with the CDS and his role in the Nigerian military, described the visa denial as a disrespectful act from a friendly nation.
He remarked:
“I was appalled when I heard about the visa denial. As a Nigerian, I felt embarrassed and dishonoured.”
He emphasised that the CDS is the only four-star general in Nigeria and holds significant power as the de facto leader of the Nigerian Armed Forces. According to him, the decision was particularly troubling because half of the CDS’s delegation had been granted visas, while the other half, including the CDS himself, faced rejection.
Despite the diplomatic blow, Sani believes the decision will not impact the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Armed Forces, noting that Nigeria has previously weathered similar challenges, such as the U.S. Leahy Law, which had previously restricted arms sales to the country.
However, he stressed that the denial could affect the morale and prestige of the military.
Sani also addressed possible reasons behind the visa rejections, saying:
“One of the reasons why military and state officials are denied visas by countries in the OECD/G8 countries has to do with human rights violations, war crimes, and so on. If this is the reason, then I think it is most unfortunate.”
Sani recalled that the CDS had been implicated in a controversial report by Reuters about alleged misconduct during his tenure as the Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI. However, he pointed out that an investigation by Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission had cleared the military of any wrongdoing.
He criticised Canada for not communicating the reason behind the visa denials and for failing to follow diplomatic protocols saying:
“The Canadian government could have informed the Nigerian government that they won't be issuing visas to certain Nigerian officials because of certain reasons so as to avoid embarrassment like this.”
He compared Canada’s handling of the situation to that of the US, which, according to Sani, typically notifies governments in advance when certain individuals are denied entry.
The security expert also suggested that the denial may be linked to recent comments made by the CDS in an interview with Al Jazeera regarding Nigeria's security challenges.
Sani speculated:
“Maybe they are not happy with the interview he granted to Al Jazeera where he spoke well about issues of insecurity in Nigeria vis-a-vis Boko Haram and so on and so forth.”
In closing, Sani made it clear that Nigeria's diplomatic relations with Canada should be based on mutual respect adding that it is in Canada's best interest to treat Nigeria with respect, especially since both countries are members of the British Commonwealth.
As he put it:
“Strong diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Canada will benefit both countries.”
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 would 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.
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Source: Legit.ng
Adekunle Dada (Politics and Current Affairs Editor) Adekunle Dada is a trained journalist with over 7 years of working experience. He is also a Politics/Current Affairs Editor at Legit.ng. He holds a B.Sc. in Mass Communication From Lagos State University, Ojo. Adekunle previously worked at PM News, The Sun, and Within Nigeria where he expressed his journalistic skills with well-researched articles and features. In 2024, Adekunle obtained a certificate in advanced digital reporting from the Google News Initiative. He can be reached via adekunle.dada@corp.legit.ng.
Dr Abubakar Sani (Public affairs and security analyst) Dr Abubakar Sani is a public affairs and security analyst. He is an SSA to former Army Chief, T.Y Buratai. He is a Certified Anti-Terrorism Specialist (CAS) and a researcher of international repute.
