NSA Ribadu Condemns Canada Over Visa Denial to Nigeria’s Defence Chief, Others
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has strongly criticized the Canadian government for denying visas to Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, and other senior military officials. The officials were scheduled to attend an event in Canada honoring war veterans, but only a portion of the delegation was granted visas, sparking outrage among Nigerian authorities.
Ribadu and Musa addressed the issue on Thursday during the inaugural annual lecture of the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies (AANISS) in Abuja. The event, attended by security experts and government officials, focused on national security challenges and international cooperation.
Ribadu described the visa denial as disrespectful, while Musa emphasized the need for Nigeria to assert itself globally and not be taken for granted. Musa recounted the incident, stating that he and his team had been invited to the veterans’ event but faced an unexpected setback when some members of the delegation were denied entry. He described the situation as disappointing but viewed it as a reminder for Nigeria to strengthen its independence and resilience.
Musa said, “Every disappointment is a blessing. Yesterday, I was meant to be in Canada for an event to honor our veterans, those who were injured during battles, and we were supposed to be there. 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.”
In his remarks, Ribadu reinforced the importance of making Nigeria self-sufficient, citing the incident as further motivation to work towards national progress. He commended Musa for his leadership in tackling security challenges and stressed the need for continued collaboration among security agencies.
Ribadu stated, “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.”
The visa denial has raised questions about Canada’s stance on Nigerian military officials and its broader diplomatic relationship with Nigeria. While the specific reasons for the refusal remain unclear, the incident has highlighted the bureaucratic and political hurdles Nigerian officials face in international engagements. The development underscores the need for Nigeria to strengthen its global standing and address challenges in its diplomatic relations.