Nigeria Considers Reciprocal Visa Restrictions After Canada Denies Entry to Top Military Officials, Including Chief of Defence Staff

A senior official within the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has issued a warning that Nigeria may consider implementing reciprocal visa restrictions against Canadian nationals if the Canadian government fails to adequately address the recent denial of visas to several high-ranking Nigerian military officials, including the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa.

The incident stems from an invitation extended to the Nigerian military officials to attend an event in Canada honoring war veterans. While some members of the delegation were granted visas, others, including General Musa, were denied entry, causing considerable disappointment and raising diplomatic concerns.

The Canadian High Commission has acknowledged media reports regarding the visa denials but cited privacy reasons for their inability to comment on specific cases.

According to the NIS official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, denying a visa to someone of the Chief of Defence Staff's stature is a significant affront. He emphasized that the Canadian embassy should have verified General Musa's identity with the appropriate Nigerian authorities, especially given his high-ranking position.

The official drew a parallel to a previous situation where Nigeria retaliated against South Africa by denying entry to a South African airline carrying dignitaries, suggesting that a similar response could be in store for Canada if the matter is not resolved diplomatically. He stated that Nigeria might begin denying entry to Canadian nationals as a reciprocal measure.