National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu has criticized the Canadian government for denying visas to Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and other senior military officers. Ribadu described the move as “disrespectful” and bluntly declared that Canada “can go to hell.”
Ribadu made the remarks on Thursday at the maiden annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies in Abuja, reacting to General Musa’s account of the visa denial.
Musa explained that he and his team were invited to an event in Canada honoring war veterans, but several members of the delegation were denied visas, leaving them unable to attend.
“Yesterday, I was meant to be in Canada for an event to honour our veterans—those injured in battle. We were invited along with our team, but while half of us got visas, the other half was denied. It’s very disappointing,” the Chief of Defence Staff said.
Musa viewed the incident as a wake-up call for Nigeria to focus on strengthening its sovereignty and becoming less reliant on external validation. “This is a reminder that we must stand on our own, stand strong as a nation, and refuse to be taken for granted,” he said.
In his response, Ribadu commended Musa’s candor and urged Nigeria to focus on self-reliance. “Thank you for the courage to say Canada denied you visas. They can go to hell,” Ribadu said.
“Even though it’s painful and disrespectful, we are peaceful, we are strong, and I agree with you—it is time to fix our country. This is yet another reason we must work hard to make Nigeria work,” he added.
The incident has sparked conversations about Nigeria’s foreign relations and the importance of national self-reliance.
