Nigeria and Canada Enhance Cooperation on Migration

The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation with Canada, focusing on migration management and air transport. During a meeting at the Ministry of Interior's headquarters in Abuja, Dr Magdalene Ajani, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, received David Sproule, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Canadian High Commission, and his delegation.

They discussed the persistent delays in processing Canadian visa applications for Nigerian citizens, which have impacted students unable to travel for academic programs despite having approved visas. Dr Ajani emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue and institutional cooperation to resolve these issues.

The meeting also addressed the expansion of the Nigeria-Canada Air Transport Agreement, which aims to introduce direct flights, enhancing commercial ties and traveler convenience. Additionally, they discussed migration management and the development of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) for the removal of persons without legal status in Canada.

Sproule acknowledged the visa processing concerns and committed to conveying them to Canadian immigration authorities.