In a recent diplomatic dispute, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has expressed strong disapproval over the denial of visas to him and several senior military officials by Canadian authorities.
The delegation was scheduled to attend the Invictus Games 2025 in Vancouver, an international event honoring wounded military veterans.
Speaking at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, General Musa emphasized that Nigeria will not accept any form of disrespect from other nations.
“On the issue of the visa denial, it must be tackled on all fronts, and I am happy the Federal Government is taking up the matter,” he said.
He clarified that the delegation followed all necessary protocols, including informing relevant government officials about their travel plans. Despite these efforts, key team members, including the team captain, medical doctor, and physiotherapist, were denied visas.
General Musa questioned the rationale behind these denials, stating, “For reasons best known to them, most of the members of the team were denied visas… And the question is why?”
The Defence Chief also highlighted the importance of supporting wounded and retired soldiers, noting that the military is committed to their well-being and successful reintegration into civilian life.
He stressed that recognizing the sacrifices of injured personnel is crucial for maintaining troop morale. “For me, as the Chief of the Defence Staff, this is a clarion call, that whatever it takes to raise the morale of our troops, we will do it,” he affirmed.
In response to the visa denial, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, called for Nigeria to assert its position on the global stage.
He described the incident as a serious affront to national dignity and integrity, urging for an immediate and thorough investigation into the reasons behind the visa refusals.
“We must not remain passive in the face of such disrespect. It is imperative that the Nigerian government takes a firm diplomatic stance,” Matawalle declared.
The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, also criticized the Canadian High Commission in Abuja for denying visas to the military delegation. He emphasized that such actions jeopardize bilateral relations between Nigeria and Canada.
The specifics of the visa denials remain unclear, but reports suggest that they may be linked to recent regulatory changes by Canadian authorities.
The Tribute To Our Troops Charity Foundation Nigeria, a non-governmental organization, condemned the visa denials, describing them as a diplomatic affront and a total act of disrespect to Nigeria’s Armed Forces.
The group demanded a public apology from the Canadian High Commission within seven days, arguing that the refusal of entry to Nigeria’s top military leadership and injured personnel was unjustifiable and insulting to the nation’s sovereignty.
