Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has strongly criticized the Canadian government for denying visas to Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and other senior military officers.
Speaking at the maiden annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies in Abuja on Thursday, Ribadu described the visa refusal as an act of disrespect toward Nigeria.
Visa Denial Sparks Controversy
General Musa revealed that he and some top military officers were barred from entering Canada for an official event honoring war veterans. While some members of his delegation received visas, others were denied entry, raising concerns about diplomatic relations.
Expressing his disappointment, Musa called the incident a wake-up call for Nigeria to prioritize its sovereignty and self-sufficiency.
“This is a reminder that we must stand on our own, stand strong as a nation, and refuse to be taken for granted.”
Ribadu Calls for National Strength
In his reaction, Ribadu praised General Musa for speaking out and urged Nigerians to focus on self-reliance rather than seeking validation from foreign nations.
“Even though it’s painful and disrespectful, we are peaceful, we are strong, and I agree with you—it is time to fix our country. This is yet another reason we must work hard to make Nigeria work.”
The visa denial has sparked discussions about Nigeria’s global standing and the need to bolster its diplomatic influence on the world stage.
