Canada Denies Visa to Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff, Musa; Ribadu Condemns It as ‘Disrespectful’

By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu

On February 13, 2025, General Christopher Musa, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), revealed that the Canadian Embassy had refused him and other senior military officers visas. Musa made this disclosure during the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies (AANISS) annual lecture in Abuja.

He described the denial as “embarrassing” and “disappointing,” stating, “Yesterday (Wednesday), I was meant to be in Canada… Half has gone and half has been denied. It’s very disappointing.”

Musa further reflected that the incident highlighted the need for Nigeria to be self-reliant and “stand strong as a nation.”

National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, who was present, criticized Canada’s actions, calling the denial “disrespectful” and “painful.” Ribadu expressed support for Musa, stating, “Thank you for the courage to say Canada denied you visas. They can go to hell.”

He also stressed the importance of working together to fix the country’s issues, adding, “Even though it’s painful, it’s disrespectful, but we are peaceful and strong, and I agree with you that it is time to fix our country.”