The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has stated that the military met all the necessary requirements and followed all procedures for their recent visa application to the Canadian High Commission.
Musa made these remarks on Wednesday in Abuja while receiving the Armed Forces of Nigeria contingent who won medals at the recent Invictus Games in Vancouver, Canada.
He explained that many people who criticized Nigeria’s participation in the event did so out of ignorance.
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“Regarding the visa denial, we don’t need to travel abroad. Nigeria is good enough for all of us. We had an agreement, we were invited, a program was sent, and we followed all the necessary requirements and processes,” Musa said.
He added, “Everyone knows the armed forces would never take shortcuts. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, the NSA, and others were aware of this journey, and we followed all the proper steps. But for reasons best known to them, many members of the team, including the team captain, medical doctor, and physiotherapist, were denied visas. The question is why?”
Musa expressed relief that the federal government was looking into the matter. He stressed the importance of Nigerians receiving respect globally and emphasized that the country must not tolerate disrespect from anyone.
He also praised the participants in the Invictus Games, saying they made Nigeria proud and left a lasting impact on those who witnessed their journey. “You are the true embodiment of the Invictus spirit—unconquered, unbroken, and unstoppable,” he concluded.
The issue of the visa denial by Canada has dominated national discussions in the past week, with many criticizing Canada’s actions.
