Nigeria and Canada Collaborate to Resolve Visa Delays

Nigeria's Ministry of Interior, represented by Permanent Secretary Dr Magdalene Ajani, met with Canada’s Chargé d’Affaires David Sproule to address concerns regarding prolonged visa processing times for Nigerians, especially students. Ajani highlighted that many students faced delays in obtaining study permits, preventing timely travel to Canada for their academic programs.

The meeting aimed to enhance cooperation between the two nations, focusing on the Nigeria-Canada Air Transport Agreement (ATA) to potentially establish direct flights, eliminating the need for connections through Europe. Both parties expressed optimism that direct air links would facilitate easier travel and strengthen trade ties.

Additionally, migration management was discussed, including plans to create a Standard Operating Procedure between Nigerian authorities and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to guide the removal of individuals without legal status in Canada. Sproule acknowledged the visa delay concerns and committed to communicating these issues to Canadian immigration authorities to improve processing times.