The delays had created difficulties for applicants, particularly students who were sometimes unable to travel to Canada in time to commence their academic programmes despite having their visa applications approved
By Mmesoma Onwuka
Nigeria and Canada have agreed to strengthen cooperation on visa processing, migration management and air connectivity as part of efforts to deepen bilateral relations between both countries.
The agreement was reached on Tuesday in Abuja when the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, received the Chargé d’Affaires of the Canadian High Commission, David Sproule, and his delegation.
Ajani, who represented the Minister of Interior, raised concerns about prolonged delays in the processing of Canadian visa applications submitted by Nigerians.
She noted that the delays had created difficulties for applicants, particularly students who were sometimes unable to travel to Canada in time to commence their academic programmes despite having their visa applications approved.
The Permanent Secretary called for continued dialogue and stronger institutional collaboration between Nigerian and Canadian authorities to resolve the challenges.
Nigeria, Canada to Establish Migration Working Group
Migration management also featured prominently during the discussions, particularly the proposed development of a Standard Operating Procedure between Nigerian authorities and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
The proposed framework is expected to strengthen cooperation on the removal and repatriation of individuals who do not have legal status in Canada.
Ajani assured the delegation that Nigeria would nominate appropriate officials to engage with their Canadian counterparts and facilitate the creation of a joint working group to advance the initiative.
The two sides agreed to establish a smaller technical team to sustain discussions and coordinate the activities of the relevant agencies in both countries.
Direct Flights Between Nigeria, Canada Considered
The meeting also reviewed the Nigeria-Canada Air Transport Agreement and prospects for expanding air services between the two countries, including the possibility of introducing direct flights.
The proposed expansion could make travel between Nigeria and Canada easier by reducing the need for passengers to transit through Europe or the United States.
Both countries expressed optimism that improved air connectivity would facilitate greater trade, investment and broader economic cooperation.
Canada Assures Nigeria on Visa Delays
Responding to Nigeria’s concerns, Sproule acknowledged that visa processing delays remained a significant pressure point in relations between the two countries.
He assured the Nigerian delegation that the concerns would be conveyed to the relevant Canadian immigration authorities for consideration, with a view to improving processing times and ensuring that applications from Nigeria receive appropriate attention.
Sproule also commended the Ministry of Interior for its openness and willingness to strengthen institutional cooperation with Canadian authorities.
Ajani, in her remarks, thanked the delegation for the engagement and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Canada on immigration, travel facilitation and border management.
She urged Canadian authorities to give the concerns of Nigerian visa applicants due and expeditious consideration.