The High Commission of Canada in Nigeria has acknowledged reports regarding the denial of visas to Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, and other senior military officers but declined to provide any explanation, citing privacy reasons.

In a statement posted on its official X handle (formerly Twitter) on Friday, the High Commission responded to growing concerns about the visa refusals, stating, “The High Commission of Canada in Nigeria is aware of media reports related to planned travel to Canada by senior officials. However, for privacy reasons, we are unable to provide any comment on the status of visa applications of specific individuals.”

The controversy arose after General Musa disclosed at the maiden annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies (AANISS) in Abuja on Thursday that he and some of his colleagues were denied visas despite being invited to an event in Canada.

“Every disappointment is a blessing. Yesterday, I was meant to be in Canada. There’s an event to honour our veterans, those that were injured during battles, and we were meant to be there,” Musa said.

He further expressed frustration over the development, stating, “We were invited with our team. Half has gone, and half has been denied. It’s very disappointing.”

tropicreporters