Canadian Embassy suspends Visa operations, other service provision

The Canadian High Commission in Abuja has temporarily suspended its operations following a fire incident that occurred on Monday.

As reported by NAN, the high commission’s premises at 13010G, Palm Close, Diplomatic Drive in the Central Business District of Abuja were devoid of staff, except for security personnel.

The high commission made an official announcement via its X handle (formerly Twitter), indicating the suspension of its operations. This suspension encompasses visa and immigration services for individuals seeking to visit or immigrate to Canada.

Additionally, the high commission will not be providing services to Canadians residing in Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, Sao Tome and Principe. These services include adoption and surrogacy, birth abroad, citizenship services, marriage abroad, passport services, notarial services, studying abroad, as well as visa and immigration services.

A security personnel at the commission’s duty post informed NAN that no staff members were present on the premises and advised, “Come tomorrow, Wednesday, November 8.”

In response to the incident, Melanie Joly, Canada’s foreign minister, released a statement on X, offering condolences for the loss of lives. She stated, “We can confirm there was an explosion at our High Commission in Nigeria. The fire is out, and we are working to shed light on what caused this situation. I send my heartfelt condolences to the families of the 2 people killed in this tragedy.”

The fire incident at the Canadian High Commission in Abuja occurred just before noon on Monday at 13010G, Palm Close, Diplomatic Drive, Central Business District. According to an eyewitness, the fire started in the generator house during maintenance, leading to two casualties and injuries to others.