Nigeria Has No Reason to Apologize to Canada Over Visa Denial for Invictus Games Delegation
Abuja, Nigeria – 16 February, 2025
Recent comments on social media regarding Canada’s refusal to grant visas to several Nigerian military officers for the Invictus Games have sparked controversy, with some arguing that Nigeria should apologize for submitting a large delegation. However, others counter that Nigeria’s representation at the event was justified, given the country’s growing role in global military rehabilitation efforts and its recent ties with the Invictus Games Foundation.
The Invictus Games, founded by Prince Harry, celebrate the resilience and recovery of wounded and injured servicemen and women. Countries typically send military representatives, and Nigeria was formally invited to participate in the event. Other nations, including the U.K. and the U.S., have consistently sent delegations, often composed of both military officials and government representatives. Given that Nigeria was officially invited, it is highly unusual for a host country to deny visas to invited participants—raising questions about whether the decision stemmed from diplomatic mismanagement or prejudicial immigration policies.
A Diplomatic Snub?
The Canadian High Commission cited an unusually high number of visa applications as the reason for the denials, stating that the Nigerian Government ought to apologise to the Canadian High Commission over its statements. However, this reasoning has been met with skepticism, as Canada recently passed a law giving immigration officers expanded authority to suspend temporary visas at their discretion. Some observers believe the visa denials reflect a broader pattern of bias, where African nations face stricter entry barriers compared to their Western counterparts. Critics argue that such treatment is both disrespectful and diplomatically questionable, particularly considering Prince Harry’s personal involvement in military rehabilitation programs in Nigeria.
While Nigeria’s decision to send a sizable delegation may have been unconventional, it was not without precedent. Many countries leverage international sporting and cultural events to strengthen diplomatic ties, project soft power, and advocate for their military veterans. If anything, Nigeria’s approach was a break from the norm, demonstrating a willingness to elevate its global presence in military rehabilitation efforts. However, critics point out that the delegation list could have been more strategically curated, incorporating high-level government officials and diplomats who would have been less likely to face visa denials. A Federal Government-led delegation would have carried more weight diplomatically, making visa refusals politically difficult.
Nigeria’s Response: A PR Misstep?
Rather than issuing strong-worded statements in the press, analysts suggest that the Nigerian government should direct its concerns to the Canadian immigration authorities and the Invictus Games Board. This would frame Nigeria as a serious global player advocating for fair treatment, rather than appearing reactive or confrontational. Properly handling incidents like this can elevate Nigeria’s diplomatic standing—just as poorly managed responses can reinforce negative stereotypes about the country’s governance approach.
Additionally, public perception plays a key role in diplomatic relations, as seen in cases like Palestine/Israel, Ukraine/Russia, and South Africa’s apartheid history. Public sentiment can shape a country’s standing with foreign governments, making it essential to control the narrative. If Nigeria had used diplomatic language to call out the bias in Canada’s visa process, it might have gained broader international sympathy while also putting pressure on Canada to justify its decision.
What Comes Next?
Nigeria should escalate the issue formally, demand transparency in the visa process, and seek assurances that similar incidents won’t occur in future international engagements. It should also evaluate how it structures its delegations to ensure better visa approval rates while still maintaining strong representation at global events.
Rather than an apology, what Nigeria truly needs is a more refined diplomatic strategy—one that ensures its international standing is not dictated by the biases of immigration officers but by its rightful place on the world stage.
Headlinenews.news will continue to monitor developments on this diplomatic issue.
Dr. Amiida Fraser. MFR
Headlinenews.news.
