General Musa revealed at an event on Wednesday that he and his colleagues were denied entry visas despite being invited to Canada for a ceremony honoring war veterans.
Reacting to the development, Matawalle described the visa refusal as a blatant act of disrespect towards Nigeria and an affront to the nation’s dignity.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Sunday Iyogun, the Minister stressed that Nigeria must assert its position and influence on the global stage.
“This is not just an administrative issue; it is a direct attack on our national dignity and integrity. Nigeria must not be treated with such disregard and levity on the international stage,” he declared.
Matawalle demanded an immediate and thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the visa denials, emphasizing that Nigeria must take decisive action to protect its international reputation.
“We cannot remain passive in the face of such disrespect. If Canada fails to provide a satisfactory explanation, we must be ready to respond assertively and take the necessary diplomatic measures,” he stated.
He further warned that such actions could strain diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Canada.
“This visa denial raises serious concerns about Canada’s attitude towards Nigerian military officials and the broader state of diplomatic relations between our two nations. While the reasons remain unclear, this incident highlights the persistent bureaucratic and political obstacles faced by Nigerian officials in global engagements.”
Matawalle reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to safeguarding its dignity and international standing, urging all relevant stakeholders to ensure that such incidents do not recur.