The Canadian High Commission in Nigeria has refused to disclose reasons for denying visas to Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and other military officers. The visa refusal, which prevented them from attending a veterans’ event in Canada, has sparked diplomatic discussions, but Canada remains silent.
The Canadian High Commission in Nigeria has refused to disclose why visas were denied to Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and other senior military officers. The officers were scheduled to attend an event in Canada honoring military veterans, but some were unexpectedly denied entry.
Addressing the situation during a security lecture in Abuja, General Musa expressed disappointment, revealing that while some members of the delegation were granted visas, others—including himself—were denied. He described the incident as unfortunate, especially given the purpose of the visit.
Following widespread media reports, the Canadian High Commission issued a brief statement via its official X (formerly Twitter) account. The embassy acknowledged the reports but cited privacy policies as the reason for not commenting on individual visa applications.
The development has sparked speculation within diplomatic and military circles, with observers questioning Canada’s rationale for refusing the visas. However, no further details have been provided by the Canadian authorities.
While some view the incident as a routine visa decision, others believe it could have broader implications for Nigeria-Canada relations. The Nigerian government has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
