In a development that has left many Nigerians distraught, the Canadian embassy in Nigeria has temporarily suspended its operations in Abuja. This decision comes in the wake of a tragic fire incident at the embassy that occurred on Monday, resulting in the loss of two lives.
The Canadian High Commission, through its official handle on social media, made the announcement late Monday night, stating that they are temporarily suspending their services. This suspension affects visa and immigration services for those seeking to travel or emigrate to Canada.
Additionally, there will be no services provided to Canadians visiting or residing in Nigeria, as well as to Canadians in Equatorial Guinea, Sao Tome and Principe.
The embassy’s statement read, “The High Commission of Canada to #Nigeria, in #Abuja, has temporarily suspended operations until further notice.”
The Government of Canada issued a travel advisory on its website on Monday, warning its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Nigeria, including Abuja. The advisory cited the unpredictable security situation throughout the country and the significant risk of terrorism, crime, inter-communal clashes, armed attacks, and kidnappings.
This travel advisory comes shortly after the United States issued a similar warning to American citizens in Nigeria.
Canada specifically cautioned its citizens against traveling to various Nigerian states, including Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Plateau, Kogi, Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Yobe, and the Niger Delta states. In the Niger Delta, the exception is the capital city of Rivers, Port Harcourt, where non-essential travel is also discouraged due to the risk of terrorism, armed attacks, kidnapping, and violence.
In response to these developments, Nigerians who were planning to travel to Canada have expressed their concerns and disappointment on social media platforms. Many of them worry about the impact of this suspension on their plans and future endeavors.
Despite attempts to seek confirmation or more information from the Canadian High Commission, no response has been received as of now.
The situation remains uncertain, leaving many Nigerians anxious about the fate of their travel and immigration plans to Canada. They look to the authorities for further updates and resolutions.