Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Federal Government has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to deepening cooperation with the Government of Canada on migration management, air transport and other areas of mutual interest. This was contained in a statement signed by Mary Ali, Anipr, Head, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Interior.
Both sides deliberated extensively on persistent delays in the processing of Canadian visa applications by Nigerian citizens, as well as emerging opportunities under the expanding Nigeria-Canada Air Transport Agreement (ATA).
Speaking during a meeting held at the Ministry of Interior’s headquarters in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, who represented the Honourable Minister, stated this while receiving the Chargé d’Affaires of the Canadian High Commission, David Sproule, and his delegation on a courtesy visit.
Dr. Ajani noted that prolonged visa processing times have affected Nigerians, including students. She explained that some Nigerian students had, on occasion, been unable to travel to Canada to commence their academic programmes due to delays in the issuance of study permits, even after their visa applications had been approved.
She stressed the importance of addressing these concerns through sustained dialogue and stronger institutional cooperation between the two countries.
The meeting also discussed the expansion of the Air Transport Agreement between Nigeria and Canada, which is expected to facilitate the introduction of direct flights between both countries, eliminating the need for passengers to connect through Europe or the United States. Both sides expressed optimism that the expanded agreement would boost commercial ties and improve convenience for travelers.
The meeting further addressed migration management, particularly the development of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) between Nigerian authorities and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) for the removal of persons without legal status in Canada.
The Permanent Secretary assured the Canadian delegation that Nigeria would designate relevant officials to engage with their Canadian counterparts and facilitate the establishment of a joint working group to advance the process.
In his response, David Sproule acknowledged the concerns regarding visa processing delays, describing the issue as an important pressure point in the bilateral relationship. He assured the Nigerian side that the concerns would be conveyed to the relevant Canadian immigration authorities, with a view to improving processing times and ensuring that Nigeria receives appropriate attention within the visa-processing system.
Both sides agreed on the need to establish a small technical working group to drive the discussions and maintain regular engagement among the relevant Nigerian and Canadian agencies.
David Sproule expressed appreciation for the openness of the Nigerian side and welcomed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening institutional cooperation between the two countries.
The Permanent Secretary thanked the Canadian delegation for the visit and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with Canada on immigration, travel facilitation and border management matters. She also urged that the concerns of Nigerian visa applicants be given due and expeditious consideration.
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