Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the minister of interior, says the denial of visa to Christopher Musa, the chief of defence staff (CDS), by the Canadian high commission was disrespectful to all Nigerians.

Tunji-Ojo spoke on Friday during a programme appearance.

He was reacting to comments by the CDS, who narrated how he and other top military officers were supposed to be in Canada for an official assignment on Wednesday, but were denied visas.

Musa had said the visa denial episode was another reminder that Nigeria needs to “stand on its own, stand strong as a nation and should no longer be taken for granted”.

During the interview, the minister said he finds it difficult to justify Canada’s actions, noting that diplomatic channels could have been used to address any concerns.

Tunji-Ojo also wondered what average Nigerians are being subjected to by the high commission if a high ranking government official like the CDS was treated in that manner.

“Without knowing the full facts, I think even for us in terms of visa policy, it means that the issue of reciprocity as I always say, has to be given due consideration,” he said.

“As much as we are not ready to dabble into the sovereignty of other nations, the issue of visas, issue of migration management is a sovereign issue and right of every nation.

“As much as we don’t want to dabble into that, it is not a disrespect to the chief of defence staff, to me, without knowing the facts, it is disrespectful to the country, and it is disrespectful to us as a people.

“If that can happen to the chief of defence staff, then I am worried for an average Nigerian.”

The minister, however, expressed optimism that Yusuf Tuggar, minister of foreign affairs, will diplomatically resolve the issue and ensure mutual respect between both nations.

On Thursday, Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser (NSA), expressed displeasure over the incident.

Ribadu also asked the North American country to “go to hell”.

The NSA commended the CDS for speaking about the incident, while also praising him for providing “purposeful leadership” in the war against insecurity.