animmigrationplan

 Canadian Embassy’s Abuja Suspension

 

There has been a  deep concern as the Canadian embassy in Nigeria suspends its operations.

Fire Tragedy Leads to Suspension

This suspension appears to be linked to a tragic fire incident at the commission on Monday, resulting in two fatalities.

Temporary Suspension Announcement

Late Monday night, the Canadian High Commission announced the temporary suspension of its operations via its official handle.

Visa and Immigration Services Impacted

This announcement signifies the suspension of visa and immigration services for those seeking to visit or immigrate to Canada.

Services Unavailable for Canadians

Additionally, services for Canadians visiting or residing in Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, Sao Tome and Principe are temporarily unavailable.

Official Statement

The embassy released a statement, stating, “The High Commission of Canada to #Nigeria, in #Abuja, has temporarily suspended operations until further notice.”

Travel Advisory Issued

Meanwhile, the Government of Canada issued a travel advisory on Monday, urging its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Nigeria, including Abuja. The advisory cites the unpredictable security situation, and the significant risk of terrorism, crime, inter-communal clashes, armed attacks, and kidnappings.

Similar Warning by the United States

This travel advisory comes shortly after the United States issued a similar warning to Americans in Nigeria.

Canada’s Immigration Plan

Specific Areas to Avoid

Canada advises its citizens to avoid specific Nigerian states, including Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Plateau, Kogi, Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Yobe, and the Niger Delta states of Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Imo, and Rivers, except for Port Harcourt. This is due to the risk of terrorism, armed attacks, kidnapping, and inter-communal and sectarian violence.

Concerns and Reactions

Following this development, many X users, especially those planning to travel to Canada, expressed their concerns and frustrations.

• @Tonia_seph on X pleaded, “Please o, we that are still planning (to travel)… God abeg.”
• @brightmorgan09 questioned, “Can someone confirm this news? I’m in the process of moving over there (Canada).”
• @ify_ndubesti lamented, “That’s a big problem for people that want to Japa.”
• @youngskidmusic highlighted the significance of Canada for Nigerian youth, saying, “That’s the only country we are benefiting from as Nigerian youths. UK & Canada. God (please) make their embassy (not) shake.”
• @Timiglow expressed despair, “I heard the Canadian embassy already suspended their operations in Nigeria till further notice. Can you please confirm it? Things fall apart.”
• A Facebook user, MAZI TT, prayed, “Canada (has) suspended visa processing for Nigeria following the fire outbreak at the embassy till further notice! (Please) pray because if Canada bursts (it is finished).”
• @owolabiclassic on X warned, “Nigerians planning to ‘Japa’ to Canada may need to have a rethink as the country’s High Commission has shut down its operations in Abuja.”
• @elijahh53 wrote on X, “Canada is where we Nigerians benefit.” @ELEYDON1 also added, “They don’t want our Nigerian youth to be traveling again! And it’s possible.”