Canada Should Apologise to Nigeria’s Defence Chief, Military Leaders for Visa Denial
By Olayemi Esan
The Canadian government’s denial of visas to Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, and other Senior Military Officials has sparked controversy, and such a decision would be a significant diplomatic misstep.
It would be a breach of diplomatic protocol and courtesy if the Canadian government denied visas to General Musa and other officials without valid reasons. As a representative of Nigeria’s military, General Musa had met with international counterparts, such as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr to discuss security cooperation and regional stability, it is disappointing however, to receive the news of the visa denial.
General Musa revealed this on Thursday during a maiden annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies (AANISS) in Abuja, describing the visa denial as both embarrassing and disappointing, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) emphasised the need for Nigeria to strengthen its self-reliance
In his words, “Every disappointment is a blessing. Yesterday, I was meant to be in Canada for an event honouring our veterans—those injured in battle.
We were invited alongside our team, but while half of the delegation was granted visas, the other half was denied. It’s very disappointing,” Musa stated.
He further remarked that the incident serves as a reminder for Nigeria to “stand on its own, stand strong as a nation, and ensure it is no longer taken for granted.”No official reason for the visa denial has been provided by the Canadian government as at this time.
Expressing her displeasure, SpyeTV News Managing Director, Olayemi Esan, noted that visa denial without explanation or justification would undermine the trust and cooperation between Nigeria and Canada.
The Canadian government needs to provide clear reasons for its decision and apologise if it was an error or an oversight.
She said the Canadian government should consider the potential consequences of their actions on bilateral relations and regional security cooperation.
“Apologising for any mistakes made would be a step towards repairing the relationship and maintaining a positive diplomatic partnership” she remarked.
Jamie Christoff the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria who came calling recently to promote trade and economic ties between the two countries should as a matter of urgency write an apology letter to the office of the Chief of Defence Staff, Nigeria Armed Forces for this costly error by the embassy.
The Chief of Defence Staff. General Musa, had stressed that strengthening self-reliance in Nigeria requires a multi-faceted approach. By so doing, Nigeria will achieve the aim of diversifying the economy and reducing dependence on oil exports by developing other sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and services.
It would promote local production and encourage local industries to produce goods and services, reducing reliance on imports.
By strengthening self-reliance in Nigeria through investment in infrastructure, and developed roads, railways, airports, and seaports to facilitate trade and commerce. It will foster entrepreneurship and support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through training, funding, and mentorship programmes.
It will develop human capital. Invest in education, healthcare, and skills development to build a competent and productive workforce.
It would enhance food security: Promote agricultural development, irrigation, and rural infrastructure to ensure food self-sufficiency.
It encourages innovation and supports research and development, science, and technology to drive innovation and competitiveness.
Strengthen institutions and ensure good governance, transparency, and accountability in institutions to attract investment and promote economic growth.
Foster regional cooperation and collaborate with neighbouring countries to promote trade, investment, and economic integration.
This will develop a national strategy and create a comprehensive plan to achieve self-reliance, with clear goals, objectives, and timelines.
By implementing these measures, Nigeria can strengthen its self-reliance, reduce dependence on external factors, and achieve sustainable economic growth and development.
OLAYEMI ESAN IS AN AWARD-WINNING BROADCAST JOURNALIST AND A PUBLIC RELATIONS PRACTITIONER. SHE IS A MEMBER OF NIPR AND THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF SPYE TV [SPYE COMMUNICATIONS LIMITED]. SHE CAN BE REACHED VIA 08035132961 OR yemiesan04@gmail.com
