Canada: Nigeria’s Minister of Defense, Matawalle condemns visa denial to military officials, seeks assertive diplomacy

The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON, has strongly condemned the recent denial of visas to Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General CG Musa, and other members of the Nigerian delegation by Canadian authorities.

The delegation had been en route to a significant event honouring Nigerian veterans in Canada when their visas were refused.

Describing the incident as a serious affront to Nigeria’s dignity and international standing, Minister Matawalle expressed deep disappointment, warning that such actions could strain diplomatic relations between the two nations.

“This incident is not merely a bureaucratic oversight; it is a serious affront to our national dignity and integrity. We cannot allow our country to be treated with such disregard and levity on the international stage,” he stated.

The Minister called for a full investigation into the matter and urged the Nigerian government to take a firm stance if a satisfactory explanation is not provided.

“We must not remain passive in the face of such disrespect. It is imperative that the Nigerian government takes a firm diplomatic stance. If no satisfactory explanation is provided, we must be prepared to respond appropriately and assertively,” he declared.

The visa denial raises broader concerns regarding Canada’s treatment of Nigerian military officials and the overall diplomatic engagement between both nations. While the specific reasons for the refusal remain unclear, the incident highlights ongoing bureaucratic and political challenges faced by Nigerian officials in international dealings.

Matawalle reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to protecting its national pride on the global stage and called for collective efforts to prevent such incidents in the future.