Why Canada Denied Visa to Nigerian Chief of Defense Staff

There were indications yesterday that the Canadian Embassy denied visas to the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, and other senior military officials due to a diplomatic oversight.

The affected officers applied for Canadian visas without a Note Verbale (diplomatic note) from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is required for high-ranking government officials.

In response, the Federal Government intervened to resolve the issue, engaging with Canadian Embassy officials to address the situation.

A top source, speaking confidentially, explained: “There was a diplomatic error on the part of desk officers who handled the CDS and others’ visa applications. There was no Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, contrary to existing protocol for any trip by high-ranking government officials.”

The source further noted: “The Federal Government is discussing with Canadian Embassy officials to salvage the situation. All I can tell you is that there is no diplomatic issue with Canada. We are only trying to get a few things right.”

National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu strongly criticized Canada for the visa denial, saying: “They can go to hell.”

Speaking at the maiden annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies (AANISS) in Abuja, Ribadu responded to Gen. Musa’s remarks on the incident.

Gen. Musa, reflecting on the situation, said: “Every disappointment is a blessing. Yesterday (Wednesday), I was meant to be in Canada. There’s an event to honour our veterans, those injured during battles, and we were meant to be there. We were invited with our team. Half of the team have gone and the other half have been denied. It’s very disappointing.”

National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu strongly criticized Canada for the visa denial, saying: “They can go to hell.”

Ribadu commended Gen. Musa for openly addressing the issue and emphasized the need for a stronger Nigeria, stating: “Thank you for the courage to say Canada denied you visas. They can go to hell. Even though it’s painful, it’s disrespectful, but we are peaceful and strong and I agree with you that it is time to fix our country. Yet, this is another reason we work hard to make Nigeria work.”

He also praised Gen. Musa’s leadership in tackling national security challenges, highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration among Nigeria’s security agencies.

Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, also weighed in, expressing support for Ribadu’s stance.

In a post on X, he wrote: *“At last we now have an NSA that has some balls and that is prepared to stand up to foreigners that treat our people with contempt. @NuhuRibadu was right when he said that the Canadian Embassy was being ‘disrespectful’ by not granting visas to some of our military top brass, including the CDS, who were scheduled to attend a formal event in their country. He also told them to ‘go to hell!’ Proud of you Nuhu!

“The days of foreign governments kicking us in the teeth and getting away with it are long over.

“What makes this case worse is that Canada may not even be a sovereign, independent country for much longer if @realDonaldTrump has his way and may end up being the 51st state of America!

“Imagine a conflicted entity like that which is not sure of its own future treating our senior military officers with contempt.

“They should not only ‘go to hell’ but they should also go and jump in the lagoon. Nigeria has paid her dues and MUST be treated with respect.”*

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