Bello Matawalle, minister of state for defence, says the decision of Canadian authorities to deny visas to Nigerian military leaders is a “serious affront” on the country’s dignity.

 

During an event in Abuja on Thursday, Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser (NSA), expressed displeasure at the Canadian high commission for denying Christopher Musa, the chief of defence staff (CDS), and other army chiefs visas.

 

The military leaders were expected to travel to Canada for an event organised to honour war veterans but their visa applications were rejected.

 

The development elicited varied reactions on and off social media.

 

On Friday, the Canadian high commission in Nigeria said it will not comment on the circumstances around the issue.

 

In a statement issued on Saturday by Sunday Iyogun, spokesperson of the ministry of defence, Matawalle criticised the Canadian authorities for the treatment of the Nigerian delegation.

 

The minister said Nigeria must not take a passive stance about the development.

 

Matawalle said there is a need to investigate the reasons for the visa denial.

 

“This incident is not merely a bureaucratic oversight; it is a serious affront to our national dignity and integrity,” he said.

 

“If no satisfactory explanation is provided, we must be prepared to respond appropriately and assertively.”