Canada Stops Visa Operations In Nigeria

The Canadian High Commission in Abuja suspended its operations on Tuesday.

,,,,,The Canadian High Commission announced this following a fire incident at the commission’s premises on Monday. The fire broke out at 13010G, Palm Close, Diplomatic Drive, Central Business District in Abuja. No staff, except security personnel, were present at the High commission, and it was temporarily closed for operations.

The commission announced the suspension on its social media handle, stating that no visa and immigration services would be provided for those seeking to visit or emigrate to Canada. Additionally, services for Canadians in Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, and Sao Tome and Principe, including adoption, birth abroad, citizenship, marriage abroad, passport, notarial, studying abroad, and visa and immigration services, would not be offered.

,,,,,A security operative at the commission confirmed the absence of staff, saying, “Come tomorrow, Wednesday, November 8.”

Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly expressed condolences for the two people who lost their lives in the incident. She stated, “We can confirm there was an explosion at our High Commission in Nigeria.

,,,,,The fire is out, and we are working to shed light on what caused this situation. I send my heartfelt condolences to the families of the 2 people killed in this tragedy.”

The fire started a few minutes after 11:00 a.m. in the generator house while maintenance work was being conducted. The cause of the fire is under investigation.